Clevedon have now entered the world of real rugby and against their more illustrious opponents performed well. They overcame the problem of losing young scrum half Steve Johnson to hospital and replaced him with evergreen Neil O'Rourke. Clevedon started well and took the game to Reading and deservedly took the lead when Tom O'Rourke made a fine break to put Christian Bushell away wide out, which Mike Lowis converted. Lowis increased their lead with a penalty. Clevedon were in the ascendency, but then made the fatal error of taking a quick tap penalty when a kick at goal in front of the posts was the option.

Clevedon's backs looked good, but the Reading defence held firm. Reading settled down and gradually took a hold on the game and scored a try. Clevedon then had the misfortune of losing lock John Pearce and Reading took advantage to score a pushover try and before the break took advantage again of some slack play to score under the posts to lead 17-10 at half time.

The second half showed up some Clevedon weaknesses with touch kicks not finding touch, too many turnovers and lineout possession hard to find. Reading increased their lead with a blind side break by the scrum half, which lead to a converted try. Clevedon fought back with good counter attacking with Mike Lowis outstanding, but Reading hit back from a catch and drive at the lineout, which resulted in a converted try. They increased their lead with a penalty. Clevedon never gave up and Owen Biggins scored a try, which Lowis converted to help Clevedon to a reasonable result.

Next Saturday, Clevedon are at home to Bridgwater in the league, kick off is at 15:00

Photos by Kevin Weaver can be found here:

Photos by John Higman can be found here: