Clevedon came out on top in a well fought first game of the new year.
From the start Clevedon turned over the ball from N & B and with a well supported team Ellis Addicott went in to score the opener for the visitors. After a little shock to N & B, they realised they had a game on their hands. Clevedon dominated the first half with overall dominance in the tackle and the ability to get the ball out of the breakdown and into space. The work rate of James Haddon, Vincent Hale, Fred Baldwin and Charlie Miller Bannerman held back the attempts of N & B attacks and forced the turnover on numerous occasions. Weeks of practice seemed to pay off with forever shouting 'get in to space' finally sunk in and due to this produced some fantastic rugby. Clevedon went into half time 45-25 up.
The second half did not fail to produce more exciting play. A try stopping tackle from Charlie Miller Bannerman after chasing down the 35yd dash from one of nailseas players and causing him to spill the ball kept the nailsea scoreline at bay. Nailsea had some very strong runs but defensively they struggled more against the physicality and power of clevedons squad.
There were certainly some very tied bodies after this game. Clevedon deserved to win and puts them in good sted for games to come.
A couple of mentions to be had: Ellis and James worked fabulously together and assisted in so many trys being score it needs a mention. Sophie but a big tackle in holding Nailsea back on their own try line changed the game play for that period. Nat , Samuel and Kai put in a great show of strength and kept breaking down Nailsea defence. Then the Twins both had one of their best games with running straight at the opposition rather than from side to side. Max was a very determined young man and again put in his best performance to date.
Nailsea and Backwell were great hosts and I hope is a fixture we can keep in seasons to come. Final score 80 - 55