Both sides having played the previous day ended with weary legs after playing on a heavy pitch at the Vale. In a close encounter Clevedon ended deserved winners against a team from National League 3 South. Clevedon playing with the wind took the game to Weston and they defended well to keep Clevedon at bay. As in previous games Clevedon scrummaged superbly and from a scrum a slick handling movment saw young Simon Johns go over in the corner for a try. Both sides missed kickable penalties.
Clevedon's forwards fought courageously for every ball and the backs did their job of moving the ball well and tackling like deomons. Weston kicked a penalty, but before the break a dashing run by John Potts, had James Shopland in support to sprint over for a try.
Clevedon increased their lead in the second half with a penalty by Simon Johns. The front row of Potts, Tucker and Gilmore were outstanding and Jeff Durant and John Pearce worked hard in the boiler room. The back row of James Shopland, Dave Rawle and Wayne MacMillan worked well as a unit.
Westom got back into the game with a penalty try, whcih was converted. The game now was nip and tuck, but Clevedon stuck valiantly to their task and increased their lead through another Simon Johns penalty. Weston replied with their second penalty. dan Filby looked comfortable at scrum half and marshalled his backs well. Mike Lowis at full back was at his very best and the midfield trio of O'Rorke, Vailes and Thie attacked and tackled well. Rob Ctaes with his blistering pace caused the visitors defence problems. Weston attacked right to the final whistle, but Clevedon ran out worthy winners.
The next league game is away to Clifton on the 22nd January 2005.
|