Imperial 1st XV 12 vs Clevedon Saxons 42
Due to unmitigated circumstances Clevedon’s Saxons travelled into Bristol for this must win targeted game with the bare fifteen, no touch judge, and no coach.
Despite adversity and last minute changes, Clevedon started strongly and were awarded a penalty at the breakdown which they kicked into the corner. A clinical line out move sent Bradley Summerall charging down the five metre channel to crash over for an early score.
The dominance of the Saxon pack was a feature of the afternoon, with the experience of Matt Harris directing proceedings from scrum half. Ross Chesher was next to score following another series of forward drives into the hosts 22.
Imperials indiscipline continued to be punished by the Saxons, from another lineout drive Clevedon this time mauled their way over, James Gallagher emerging with the ball and his trademark grin claiming the score.
The home side rallied and were kept at bay following excellent tackling from the Saxon back three Burns, Bassett and Nick George who worked in unison all afternoon.
Just before the break Clevedon again surged into the home 22. Unfortunately the referee stopped play for an infringement just as the line was begging. John Halliburton tapped over the three points from the resulting penalty to take an eighteen point lead into half time.
The second half started in a similar manner with the front row of Potts, Gallagher and Critton dominating the scrum, and Rawle and Russell winning good ball at the lineout.
With the wind and slope now in favour Clevedon worked the corner and Oli Jones powered over from short range to rack up the all important bonus point.
Spaces were now appearing in midfield, and skipper Danny Williams again standing in at Fly Half, along with Tom Wain in the centre exploited holes in the home defence to put Jonny Halliburton in for his first of the afternoon.
Halliburton soon got his brace after being the quickest to react to a charge down by Rawle, which he then converted. Rawle then finally got himself onto the score sheet for try number seven, and went under the posts unopposed to allow Halliburton an easy extra two points.
Clevedon then took their foot off the gas, and were punished when failing to clear their lines. They then lost two players and finished the game with thirteen. Despite valiantly defending their line another score was conceded at the death.
This was a fantastic team effort, the work rate of James Russell deserving of particular mention, however it was young prop Jack Critton who was the stand out performer being awarded Man of the Match.
Next week the Saxons will be looking to keep winning momentum with a tough home fixture at the vale against Tor 1st XV. The kick off is at the earlier time of 2:30pm.