This was always going to be a hard fought battle between two in form sides. Matson the visitors from Gloucester, on a seven match winning streak and were keen to make it eight, started with intent and took an early lead with a try converted from a rolling maul. From the kick off the visitors again built momentum, testing the Clevedon defence and converted a kickable penalty. Clevedon's defence was severely tested again as Matson played with width and pace and went further ahead with a well worked try, converted for 0-17. From the long restart Matson had a kick charged down and Blaise Bosley raced over in the corner to get Clevedon on the scoreboard, Hill converted for 7-17. The Seasiders now woke up and pressurised the Matson defence and after some quick recycling a clever cross field kick by Kieran Hill was caught by young Harry Buckland to soccer in the corner, Hill converted to bring the score back to 14-17. Just before the break Clevedon were awarded a penalty which Hill converted to equal the scores 17-17.
The second half started with the same intensity as the first with Clevedon now looking the stronger of the two teams and they put some impressive passages of play together, but a combination of strong defence and handling errors denied them from adding to the scoreline. However, on the 60th minute Clevedon were awarded a penalty after a high tackle, Hill duly converted to take Clevedon into the lead for the first time in the match, 20-17. The exchange referee did well controlling the breakdown as both teams laid bodies on the line. Clevedon moved further ahead with a try from Tom Thie after some quick thinking at the lineout and slick offloading finished with Thie touching down in the corner, for 25-17. A late penalty for Matson saw them rescue a losing bonus point in the final minutes of the game for a 25-20 final score.
Head Coach Nick Hill commented "It was a very good win against a good side, especially after giving them a 17 point start, they asked us questions which we answered which shows how far we have come as a team"
Next game is Wednesday 15th March, a Somerset Cup semi final game vs Bridgwater, 7.30pm KO at Weston-Super-Mare.
No game Saturday 18th March so next league game is away to Bridgwater on Saturday 25th March.