Home Win On Final Day Of The Season

This was a typical end of season game with lots of end to end play, on a bone hard pitch and with both teams involved in important games next week, Clevedon away to Newbury Blues in the play offs and Okehampton in the Devon Cup Final, there was a great deal of shadow tackling. Clevedon took the lead in the first minute when some fine back play saw Cameron Maslen touch down, Kieran Hill converted for 7-0. Hill then added a penalty for Clevedon to lead 10-0. Okehampton came back with a converted penalty for 10-3. Clevedon then moved further ahead when a move off the base of the scrum saw 17 year old Charlie Tucker go over the line, unconverted for 15-3. Some excellent interplay then saw veteran Ashley Vailes add another try, Hill converted for 22-3. Okehampon always looked dangerous on the break but it was Clevedon who scored again, with a try by Rory Biggins after good approach work by the forwards, Hill again converted for 29-3. Clevedon now pressed the self destruct button and let in the visitors with three tries, two converted, through poor tackling. Just before the break a searching run from young Harold Butland put Joey Tucker in for a try, which Hill converted for Clevedon to lead 36-22 at the break.
The second half saw Okehamton throw caution to the wind and they quickly scored two tries, one being converted, to bring the scores in Clevedon's favour 36-34. Clevedon now knowing that it was game on, upped the ante and a catch and drive at the lineout saw Dave Rawle go over and with the trusty boot of Hill rested on the sideline, young Harold Butland stepped up to add the conversion. It was then time for the props to shine with Brian Largenton and Gary Carpenter scoring tries from close range. Harry Butland converted one. That was the final score with both teams giving their all on a bone hard pitch.
Head Coach Nick Hill commented "it was good to get back to winning ways, did we have one eye on next weeks game ? perhaps, but we must give credit to Okehampton, who are a good side and who without a 10 point deduction would have been pressing for promotion themselves.
Next Saturday Clevedon are away to Newbury Blues in the play off for a place in the National league next season.A supporters bus will leave the club at 11 a m A few seats are still available if interested contact Mike Thomas on 01275875497.