Clevedon 55 Torquay 5
12th April 2003

Back to 1st XV fixtures Clevedon's last league game of a superb season started with a mishap in defence with Torquay capitalising on a mistake with a try. Clevedon without the domineering Tim Brooks and James Shopland soon got to grips with things and good work between Chris Cates and Ashley Vailes resulted in Cates scoring a try. A slick handling movement saw Mike Lowis scoring an excellent try, which Johnson converted. A quick tapped penalty move ended with Tom O'Rourke barging over for a try. Clevedon were always the dominant side but loose passing often let them down. However, good approach work by the forwards saw Owen Biggins score a try, which Johnson converted. Clevedon led 24 - 5 at the break. The second half saw Steve Johnson revert to scrum half from full back to take over from the old warhorse Nellie O'Rourke. A break by Johnson put Owen Biggins in for his second try. A couple of minutes later from a lineout Biggins completed his hat trick, which Johnson converted. Clevedon were completely on top in all phases of the game with everyone charging around the sandy pitch like dervishes. A good handling movement resulted in a drive for the line by outstanding forward John Pearce who scored the try. Mike Lowis in mercurial mood at inside centre baffled the defence with a fine try, which Johnson duly converted. In the dying seconds a superb kick ahead by Johnson saw Cates use his footballing skills to score his second try, which was converted from the touchline. Fifty Five Five has a nice ring to it and brought the curtain down on a wonderful league season. Match day photos can be found here Johnny H's photos can be found here Derek Lilley's photos can be found here Next Sunday the 20th April, Clevedon are at playing Weston-super-Mare in the final of the Somerset Cup at Bridgwater, kick off is at 3:00pm. Back to 1st XV fixtures