Latest News
Six Nations 2024 Round 5
17th March 2024
"Round 5 completed..."
Congratulations to Latymer who has won this years Six Nations club fund raising competition with a late run of success in the last two rounds, finishing with a 13 from 15 record. Well done!!!
The £236 in the prize fund will be split as follows:
- Latymer I - £75
- Rob Howard - £55
- Noel Murphy- £40
- Victoria Tucker - £30
- Lewis Wheeler - £20
- Ben Murray - £10
The £6 wooden spoon prize goes to Samantha Godley for keeping Old Reliable off the bottom who was hoping to boost his pension.
All prize monies will be forwarded at the earliest opportunity.
The remaining money will boost club funds so thank you to everyone who entered this year.
The results can be found here or from the image.
Cheers, Weave & Crunch
Somerset Honours I
16th March 2024
"U16 girls selected"
It's great to see three of our under 16s girls have been picked to represent Somerset in their ERDPP game this weekend.
Mabel shopland, Millie Penny and Becca Pearce - your club is very proud of you!!
Good luck Mabel, Millie and Becca!
Somerset Honours II
16th March 2024
"Alfie Harrison selected"
Alfie Harrison has been selected for the Somerset U20s, 23 man squad.
Well done Alfie.
This Week @ 'The Vale'
16th March 2024
"Six Nations Super Saturday "
Join us on Saturday for 'Six Nations Super Saturday' and enjoy the finest hospitality Clevedon has to offer !
- Beef chilli loaded nachos £4.50
- Portion of chips £2.00
- Chips and curry sauce £2.50
- Filled rolls £3.00
- Cheese and onion
*Please ask about allergens*
PLEASE NOTE: Pictures are for illustration purposes only!!
16/3/24: THE FIRST TEAM GAME AGAINST CINDERFORD II IS POSTPONED.
See you all in the clubhouse.
Six Nations 2024 Round 4
11th March 2024
"Round 4 completed... "
There are now only 4 people with 10 out of 12 results correct so far and Christine Adams retains first place due to Italy's incredible win over Scotland.
Apart from Christine, the other three places are taken by people that were way down the order in round 3.
The largest gain was made by Graham Trenaman who zoomed up from 78th to fourth, closely followed by Latymer, whose rise up the leader board was 68 places to third. Martin Boldison, who mentioned more than once on Saturday evening, knew that he had done well! In fact from 25th to second. Well done Martin.😉
POINTS DIFFERENCE WILL decide the result next week. With an average, so far, of 46 points per game, there will be some nervous moments for those in contention.
The results can be found here or from the image.
Cheers, Weave & Crunch
Clevedon 12 Midsomer Norton 32
11th March 2024
"Picture Perfect"
The last first team home game at The Vale was on 2nd December 2023, over three months ago. The inclement weather and the useless drainage system surrounding The Vale, has played havoc with the fixture list and pitch maintenance.
However, the enthusiastic and indefatigable groundstaff overcame these problems and got both pitches ready to play after a drying week of weather.
Despite plantar fasciitis affecting the white line marker, JimArf completed the marking double by the 14:00 kick off time and produced a picture perfect scene down at The Vale.
Unfortunately, both teams could not conjure a double over Midsomer Norton as they were both well beaten.
The firsts went behind in the first five minutes and from then on were playing catchup, but were never anywhere near doing so. The seconds seemed to be playing a tit-for-tat type of game until it wasn't at the final whistle.
The first team packs were about even, but the Norton backs were very elusive and unzipped Clevedon more often than a Six Nations session drinker in the clubhouse.
This was a loss that left the Clevedon coaching scratching their heads and trying to find answers to the problems presented by Midsomer Norton.
Next week, Clevedon firsts entertain second placed, Cinderford II with the seconds have a rest week.
Special General Meeting
11TH March 2024
Monday, 11th March, 19:30
Please don't forget to attend this Special General Meeting, TONIGHT!
This is a chance to have your say and to contribute to what is likely to be an absorbing and interesting meeting.
Neil Tucker, Chairman
R.I.P. Brian Toms
4th March 2024
Past Captain Brian "Tommer" Toms passed away peacefully on Tuesday 30th January 2024, aged 74 years.
He captained the club in the 73-74 and 74-75 seasons before the advent of leagues. He was an inspirational influence on the pitch and led by example during those days of so-called friendlies!
Back in those days, the captain led the training and the coaching. One of his more painful exercises was where you held out arms in front of and clenched your hands repeatedly for as long as you could stand it.
It was designed to help rip the ball out in those very confrontional mauls that seemed to go on for ever!
He is fondly remembered by the still active current club members, some of whom you might recognise!
His funeral service will be at South Bristol Crematorium on Friday, 8th March 2024 at 12:00pm.
Go in peace, Tommer.
Bridgwater Postponement
6th March 2024
The gathering of the Bridgwater & Albion Dirt Trackers for their reunion last Saturday, had to be content with the excellent buffet and bar to sustain them thoughout the afternoon.
The pitch was deemed unsafe and unplayable and the game was therefore called off while Clevedon were warming up.
Our thanks go to Mike Berry and his committee for their hospitality, as always.
We look forward to seeing you at the rearranged match, which has been scheduled for Easter Saturday, 30th March. Watch this space because that date could well change.
Special General Meeting
1st March 2024
Monday, 11th March, 19:30
A Special General Meeting is called to discuss the current condition of The Vale playing pitches, the impacts, and the proposed solutions..
There will be a presentation that will include the following:
- Current Council ground lease
- Loss of revenue
- Revenue spent elsewhere
- Recent investments
- Proposed solutions, both short term and long term, with outline costings
It is open to ALL members of Clevedon RFC.
The state of the pitches affects all age groups and all teams.
We look forward to welcoming a broad spectrum of representation from across the club to determine the best way to take this fundamental issue forward for generations to come.
Please make every effort to attend.
Neil Tucker, Chairman
Can you help?
26th February 2024
"Volunteer Communications Manager"
Clevedon Rugby Club is seeking a dedicated and passionate individual to serve as a Volunteer Communications Manager, with a primary focus on managing our website and social media platforms.
As a crucial member of our team, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing the club’s online presence, engaging with our community, and promoting our activities and events.
Responsibilities
Website Management:
Maintain and update the Clevedon Rugby Club website with relevant news, events, match reports, and other club-related content.
Social Media Coordination:
Oversee the club’s presence on various social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Regularly post updates, photos, videos, and interact with followers to enhance engagement.
Content Creation:
Develop compelling and creative content for both the website and social media channels to showcase the club’s activities, achievements, and community involvement.Promotion and Marketing:
Work closely with the club’s marketing team to promote upcoming events, matches, and initiatives through digital channels effectively.
Community Engagement:
Foster a sense of community among club members, supporters, and followers by actively engaging with them online, responding to inquiries, and encouraging participation.
Commitment:
This is a voluntary position requiring a commitment of approximately 2-3 hours per week. The Communications Manager will work closely with the club’s executive committee and other volunteers to support the overall objectives of Clevedon Rugby Club.
If you’re passionate about rugby and eager to contribute your communication skills to support a thriving community club, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding volunteer opportunity!
Contact:
Contact Neil Tucker at 07751 916454 or email neiltucker@sky.com for more information.
Six Nations 2024 Round 3
26th February 2024
"Round 3 completed... "
There are now 15 people with 8 out of 9 results correct so far and we have a new leader in Christine Adams.
The results can be found here or from the image.
Cheers, Weave & Crunch
This Week @ 'The Vale'
22nd February 2024
"Live on the BIG SCREEN"
We will be serving a selection of food throughout the afternoon while you watch both Six Nations matches.
There will be no rugby at The Vale this week for obvious reasons and the school is not an option either, although this will be confirmed by the Clevedon groundsman soon.
23/2/24: THE SECOND TEAM GAME IS DEFINITELY OFF.
See you all in the clubhouse.
Clevedon 15 Old Reds II 45
20th February 2024
"An early kick off"
After a bright and energetic start to this game, Clevedon succumbed to the well organised Old Reds back division. Training with their first team mates has given them a cohesion that Clevedon found hard to contain.
However, the Clevedon forwards just about won the grunt and shunt aspect of the game with their two tries being scored by Charlie Tucker.
When Clevedon did get a sniff of the Old Reds try line they stepped up a gear and looked dominant.
Unfortunately, with the Reds backline in "get it wide " mode, Clevedon were hardly in the Reds Red Zone and as for going wide, well, let's just say they couldn't because of the smothering OR defence.
RANT ALERT...
It's a sad fact of life that in this league with three second teams, some teams will get the occasional win, as Clevedon did earlier in the season, but will be up against it most of the time.
When the season shakes out, Longlevens should get promotion, although they have a tough run in, N&B are in with a shout as well. The rest of the league will be queueing up behind the second teams.
AND... next season, it could be that this league will see the addition of two more second teams, which will highlight the farcical situation that a team (hypothetically) finishing 6th (after all the second teams) will get promotion! How does that help and encourage more players to play, eh?
There is one positive thing about this and it is the experience of playing against better sides, which will hopefully improve a team (rather than demoralise them) and ready them should promotion beckon.
Next week, the firsts will be having a rest before travelling away to Bridgwater & Albion the following week.
Clevedon II 28 Old Reds III 19
20th February 2024
"A decent win!"
Clevedon seconds followed on from the first team game and were keen to avoid an Old Reds double.
Clevedon's team consisted of inexperience, youth, and guile with evergreen prop Ben Stone providing plenty this, especially when play went up the hill. He was aided and abetted by another evergreen mate Bertie Bassett, in the centre, who had a spectacular header deemed as a knock on, knock out more like!
The whole game ebbed and flowed with Clevedon defending their line with vim and vigour and held on for a very satisfying and decent win.
The experienced refereeing of veteran "Smudger" Smith helped with the ebb and flow of the game over the increasingly heavy school pitch.
He said in the bar afterwards that "had I known it was at the school, I wouldn't have volunteered!". We're glad that you did Smudge as you didn't take any nonsense on the pitch and allowed the the players to express themselves.
You're welcome back anytime 😉
Next week, the seconds have a catchup game against Bristol Harlequins at home. The kick off time is likely to be at 14:00 due to the internationals on telly. Watch this space though.
Annual Awards Celebration
20th January 2024
"Dinner, Dance and Awards Night"
Tickets are on sale now for this season's Annual Presentation and Dinner Dance on Friday, 31st May 2024. Log on to the Pitchero link below and get yours now !
This is a whole club event so members, players and supporters are all welcome to help us celebrate the season (adults only).
If you don't want to miss out, please get your tickets early!
This Week @ 'The Vale'
16th February 2024
"Déjà Vu... AGAIN!😉"
Two for the price of one - AGAIN!
This week at The Vale we have two home games and it's back to school for us all - AGAIN!!
Both are against Old Reds with the first team kicking off at 13:00 and the second team kicking off at 14:30.
See you there.
Six Nations 2024 Round 2
11th February 2024
"Round 2 completed... "
There are now 40 people with all six results correct so far and as explained last week, Tucks remains at the top.
The results can be found here or from the image.
Cheers, Weave & Crunch
The Vale Swamp
12th February 2024
"If there were any doubts... "
In case anyone thought we could play at The Vale, then hopefully these Sunday morning pics will change your minds! A twitcher's paradise.
Papa Johns Community Cup
12th February 2024
"Clevedon draw Frome at home"
The first round of the "Papa Johns Community Cup Counties 1 South Plate" (a mouthful, just like their pizzas) is against Frome.
They are currently lying forth in their equivalent league, so it should be a good contest.
Hopefully, the swamp will have drained by then!
Clevedon II 59 Chipping Sodbury 15
12th February 2024
"Clevedon run wild"
The decision to play home games at the school isn't taken lighlty. This was a catch-up week for both teams and it was fortunate that the rain had stopped the day before and long enough for the school pitch to dry out.
The mole hills were flattened and the pitch made ready for the 13:00 kick off - a long old day for some!
Chipping Sodbury were told that the game was at the school and adjusted their visit accordingly. They had changed at their club and travelled in their kit, ready to go.
The game kicked off in sunny and warm conditions with everyone keen to see a live match before the internationals on telly.
The half time score of 24 - 10 just about reflected this close game with Clevedon edging it through their forwards.
Playing towards the school and up the slope, Clevedon gained the upper hand and allowed Sodbury a solitary unconverted try in the second half, while scoring 35 more points of their own to win 59 - 15.
After the handshakes and tunnel rituals were over, Chipping Sodbury got back on the motorway and headed back home. It must be a first! They didn't go anywhere near the clubhouse, showers or bar, which in the circmstances made sense.
Good luck to them for the rest of the season, but I think they've resigned themselves to being relegated in order to rebuild and to escape the farcical situation in this league that will soon see a half a dozen second XV teams.
Tries: B Largenton (2),M Fisher (2),R Mcguigan (2),F Cole,C Tucker. Conversions: E Thomas (8). Penalties: E Thomas
Clevedon II 28 Oldfield Old Boys II 28
12th February 2024
"The late, late show... "
After the first team curtain raiser that saw them triumph over Chipping Sodbury, the second team had to wait...
... and wait, and wait for Oldfield to turn up.
There had been an accident on the M4/M5 junction that delayed them for well over an hour. They finally arrived at around 15:30 with everyone wondering if there would be enough daylight left to finish the game.
No time for them to change at the club, instead they changed beside their minibus on the school playing fields. Thankfully, it was sunny and dry. Their usual pre-match routines went out the window and their warmup was the run over from Holly Lane.
Meanwhile, back on the pitch the Clevedon second team were kicking their heels, as the sun began it's descent over the hill. You can only do so much pre-match warmup stuff before it gets tedious. It also didn't help that this game should've been done and dusted well before the England Wales match.
The game eventually kicked off around 15:40 and Oldfield, playing towards the school, started very brightly. They ran a stiff and cold Clevedon the around the school pitch for a deserved 7 - 21 half time lead.
With the sun setting and the temperature plummeting, Clevedon awoke from their lethargy and camped in Oldfield's 22 for most of the second half and levelled the scores at 21 -21.
With the daylight disappearing and only 4 or 5 minutes left, Oldfield broke out of their half to score a converted try for a 28-21 lead.
They thought that was the winner, but Clevedon, straight from the restart, had other ideas. They rampaged towards Oldfield's line and in the last minute, Oli Jones beefed his way over for a try, 26 - 28.
With the clock in the red and the conversion wide out, flyhalf Archie Birkbeck had the fate of the game in his hands. He went through his meticulous kicking routine and the ball sailed between the posts towards the darkening skies for an unlikely draw.
Game over at 17:00ish !!
This Week @ 'The Vale'
9th February 2024
"Back to School"
Two for the price of one !
This week at The Vale we have two home games and it's back to school for us all !!
Due to the Vale being rather wet, both games will be played at the 'Holly Lane Stadium'.
So let's see you all up there supporting the players.
The first team kick off is at 13:00 and the second team kick off is at 14:30.
Then, it's all back to the club for the Six Nations while enjoying some beer, food and unrivalled clubhouse excitement.
🏉 🎆
Six Nations 2024 Round 1
4th February 2024
"The results are in!"
Thank you to everyone that has entered this year's Six Nations prediction competition.
After typing in 236 prediction entries, we can reveal that there are 57 people with all three results correct so far - are you one of them?
The positions have been determined, firstly by the number of wins and secondly by the individual tie-breaker points difference that is closest to the running tie-breaker total.
For example, in Neil Tucker's case his tie-break number is 595. The running total tie-break number is 159. Therefore, 595 minus 159 equals 436, which is the lowest and closest of the 57 people with 3 wins to the running total. Clear as mud, don't you think?
If you have any queries or think your entry is incorrect, please make yourself known to us and we'll endeavour to sort it out.
The results can be found here or from the image.
Cheers, Weave & Crunch
Annual Awards Celebration
11th January 2024
"Dinner, Dance and Awards Night"
Tickets are on sale now for this season's Annual Presentation and Dinner Dance on Friday, 31st May 2024. Log on to the Pitchero link below and get yours now !
This is a whole club event so members, players and supporters are all welcome to help us celebrate the season (adults only).
If you don't want to miss out, please get your tickets early!
Clevedon II 29 Imperial II 0
4th February 2024
"Clevedon win in the mizzle"
With the first team watching from the sidelines after they were given an away walkover by Barton Hill, the seconds produced some magical moments and some not so magical moments.
The drizzly mizzly accounted for a lot of the handling errors and those watching were entertained with some of the more comical ones.
Nevertheless, Clevedon won and the revival continues...
Next Week, there are two home games. The firsts are playing Chipping Sodbury and the seconds are playing Oldfield Old Boys. Both games are likely to kick off at 14:00. Watch this space.