Valuable Win At The Vale

Clevedon got back to winning ways with a hard fought victory at the Vale, the Seasiders hosted Drybrook who lie 4th in the league and are still in the hunt for a play off position. The Foresters started with intent and dominated the early stages and went into an early 0-6 lead after Clevedon conceded a couple penalties. Clevedon's first real period of possession saw them surge deep into the Drybrook half and after several phases of play Cameron Maslen scored out wide, converted Kieran Hill, 7-6. Clevedon then extended their lead with a long range penalty from Hill for 10-6. Clevedon continued to concede too many penalties and on the stroke of half time Drybrook closed the gap with another penalty under the posts for 10-9.
The battle of the breakdown was fierce as both sides tried to gain the ascendancy and the Spanish exchange official was forced to issue a couple of yellow cards to both sides and a resulting penalty was converted by Drybrook to regain the lead 10-12. Clevedon were also awarded a couple of kickable penalties which were unusually missed by the usually reliable boot of Hill. Although Dybrook had the edge in the lineouts Clevedon's scrum was solid and again the backs looked dangerous with ball in hand and running at the visitors defence. Finally Clevedon did manage to break down Drybrook's defence when a fine break down the blindside from Matt Britton put young Harry Butland over in the corner, which Hill converted for 17-12 .The result was in doubt right up to the final whistle as both sides battled for the points but Clevedon closed the game out with solid defence..
Head Coach Nick Hill commented "It was good to get back to winning ways and although it was an ugly win it is the second week in a row we have not conceded a try"
There is no game next week and Clevedon are away to Midsomer Norton Saturday 4 March.