Clevedon 29 - Newent 8

With the season coming to the business end, a play off and cup final already in the bag, Clevedon had a hard competitive game on their hands. On a dry surface and both sides known for their free running play, the game started at pace and it was Newent who struck first with a penalty. The Seasiders soon leveled with a penalty by Kieran Hill for 3-3. Clevedon now applied the pressure with some quick recycled ball and were awarded another penalty, this time Clevedon opted for the corner and the resulting line out drive near the Newent line allowed Hooker Andy Davis to score his first try of the game, 8-3. The pace of the game was fierce and the breakdown very committed the Seasiders had the edge in the line out, parity in the scrum but looked far more dangerous in the back line. From a turnover in their own 22 Mike Lowis offloaded to Cameron Maslen to Dean Ashfield who released the powerful Davis who out sprinted the opposition in a 35 meter dash to score his second try of the game, converted by Hill for 15-3. Just before the break Clevedon scored the try of the game when a well rehearsed and executed back line move was finished off by Joey Tucker, converted by Hill for 22-3 at half time.
The second half was not a feast of scoring but both sides still produced some exciting rugby. Clevedon's bonus point came when some quick phase play and a long pass found the young and pacy Harold Butland over in the corner, again Hill kicked the conversion for 29-3. If Clevedon thought it was job done and dusted they were mistaken, as Newent hit back with a long range try for 29-8. They threatened the Clevedon line again but Clevedon defended well, then with 20 minutes to go veteran Neil Tucker took the field to record his 700 game for the club. Clevedon got 5 points from the game and are well clear in the table from the chasing pack.
Head Coach Nick Hill said "I was very pleased with a good win over a good side, our focus before the game was all about a good performance and we very much delivered. Special comment for Neil Tucker who achieved his 700 cap, Neil is a real club stalwart, a great rugby player and an example to all, apart from his beard !!"
Next Saturday Clevedon are away to North Petherton.k.o.3.p.m.