Crediton 7 Clevedon 13
22nd March 2003

Back to 1st XV fixtures Clevedon visted Devon for the second week on the trot and came away with both points. They had a very hard game with Durant, Lowis, Bushell and Shopland all unavailable against an energetic and physical pack of forwards. The early passage of the game was even with Crediton having most of the possession, but Clevedon's defence held firm. Clevedon were under pressure in the scrums and the lines out became a struggle. Clevedon lived off scraps and defended for most of the first half despite playing down the slight slope. Clevedon took the lead against the run of play with a Steve Johnson penalty, which he doubled on the stroke of half time. The second half started with a bang and within one minute Crediton had taken the lead with a fine individual try, which was converted. This stirred Clevedon into action and a good slick handling movement saw Clevedon gain ground with penetrating runs by Chris Cates. A handling movement led by Cates and Ashley Vailes saw Chris Page give the final pass to Adrian Freeman to score under the posts, which Johnson converted. Clevedon now started to secure their lineout ball with good possession from John Pearce. In the loose Biggins and Page were fearless. Crediton now threw everything at Clevedon and pressured the line too often for comfort, but a gutsy defensive performance led by Captain Tim Brooks, held Crediton at bay until the joyful sound of the final whistle. Match day photos can be found here Next Saturday Clevedon are away to Stroud in the league, kick off is at 2:30pm. Coach leaves the club at 12:00 Back to 1st XV fixtures