The 3rd Team a.k.a. 'Young Gifted and Fat' travelled to Cleve for their first away game of the season. Cleve had a big squad and were well organised. John Evans donned the CRFC colours once again to captain a team that included the likes of old boys, ahem, sorry, 'experienced pros' Dave Roberts and Mark Flower. With a mixture of age and experience that has served us well this season the team set about getting quick ball out to the backs and giving Cleve the run-around.
Early on Clevedon had some good possession, but failed to capitalise from it with an uncharacteristic missed kick from Ben Hazeldean. After the miss Cleve got on the offensive and scored a try. Clevedon rallied and after some good build up play and passing a try was scored by the promising Joe Taylor. Another try was then added by flanker Luke Williams. The game was very physical with Cleve having a lot of power up front, but Clevedon's tackling never let them down. However a couple of unfortunate tries just before the break left Clevedon trailing by 7 points at half time. This after a controversially disallowed try again by Taylor after a threaded pass from Dan Filby was adjudged to have been forward, much to Clevedon's disgruntlement. This wasn't to be the last time the refereeing was to be called into question!
After the break Cleve made a few changes including bringing on a replacent prop to add to the power in the scrums. This extra weight advantage led Clevedon to struggle and they were forced back a number of times. Despite their additional power up front Cleve were unable to convert their pressure and excellent defending and tackling by Clevedon kept them out in the second half. Sadly Clevedon were unable to break the second half deadlock and score themselves and the game ended in defeat, this despite having the searing pace of James Russell on the wing. Still, the boys all made up for the loss with a few beers after the game to drown the sorrows. Roll on next week...
Match day photos can be found here 