This event will take place on the 19th August 2006 at 13:00hrs.

Click the poster for a closer look and make sure you book your tem in early, so as not to be disappointed!

Training will take place every Tuesday and Thursday at 18:45. Please phone Mark Hawkes on 07747 756177 for more information. New and old players are very welcome

Read the Coach's end of season report by clicking here. A positively gripping yarn.

These can be found by going to this website: www.swrugby.co.uk. They are subject to change until placed on the RFU website.

The first game is Reading Abbey at home - can't wait.

Clevedon had four players in the Somerset side for this game, which was a must win for Somerset to retain their status in the County Championship Shield.

The magnificent four were Tom Thie, James Shopland, Wayne McMillan and Dan Hawkes.

A good end of the season win for Somerset and the Clevedon boyz, who had been at the Club Dinner the night before. It ended with them singing Father Abraham on the bus home in the wee small hours (except Shoppers of course!) and getting naked and dressed again between Portishead and Clevedon. Not a bad effort all round.

Click the photo to see the report.

This year's Dinner & Dance was held at Clarence House in Portishead and was attended by 90 people.

Outgoing Chairman Paul Squires began proceedings by thanking everyone who contributed to the running of the club. He awarded the Clubman of the Year award to outgoing Fixture Secretary John Evans, who unfortunately was not present to accept his award, which was a shame because the reception he received would've had the old codger in tears!!

Guest of honour was Somerset Council's Vice Chairman David Shopland and his wife Ann, who gave a very amusing speech about life in general. He thanked the Rugby Club for not tarnishing the good name of Clevedon on their travels around the country and compared the size of walking sticks with President Mike Thomas. After their recent stays in hospital, they are both well down the road to recovery.

The microphone was handed to President Mike Thomas who was presenting the John Davis Grafters Cup on behalf of Sue Davis. After a few stories about John and his commitment to the club, he awarded this new cup to John Pearce for his tireless work on the pitch this season. Our John was speechless, which was very unlike the illustrious John Davis who was difficult to prise away from the microphone when he had it in his hand.

Next up was Captain Neil Tucker, whose anecdotes and stories from the season had everyone laughing and cringing at the same, especially when he began producing photos of some of the more memorable occasions. His first act was to present Certificates of Achievement to Dan Filby, Man of the Season and to Ashley Vailes, W***** of the Season. Dan had told Tucks that he thought he should get his award (he would wouldn't he) and Ashley got his because he was recipient of the coveted yellow jersey more times than anyone else for doing something dopey on the park.

Tucks presented the silverware to James Morgan for Captain's Player and to Dan Hawkes for the Most Improved Player. The Try Scoring Cup went to Wayne Wheeler, the Players Player Shield went to James Morgan and Dan Hawkes received the Kicking Cup. Coach Mark Hawkes, presented Tom Thie with the Coaches Player Cup and said that Tom was an outstanding player and individual and a person that all the young players should aspire to.

After the speeches and presentations, the night began in earnest. The photos don't reveal a lot of what went on, but they do show old and young alike enjoying themselves. The coach arrived at midnight and left 15 minutes later - Ashley Vailes has the glass slipper if anyone wants it?

In the January edition of Rugby World, James Russell our very own "Peg Leg", was the subject of a four page article.

The Rugby World writer spent a whole day at the club, taking photos, recording anecdotes and generally understanding what makes James tick.

This article is in PDF format and can be viewed by clicking the image.

Clevedon RFC are very grateful to Rugby World for allowing us to reproduce this article here.

Dear Club Member,

I would like to inform you that a SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING of Clevedon Rugby Football Club will be held at the CLUBHOUSE on THURSDAY 25th MAY 2006 AT 8.00pm

All members are welcome, please bring your membership card with you and sign in on entry.

AGENDA

• To review and amend section(s) in the Club's constitution regarding 'Audit' and 'Auditors report'.
• To amend section(s) in the Club's constitution regarding the 1964 Licensing Act to read 2003 Licensing Act.

At least 20 members need to be present so please make every effort to attend.

Neville Pope
Hon. Secretary

Squad: R.Biggins, T.O'Connell, P.Boyle, H.Russell, T.O'Connell, D.Vivian, S.Martin, J.Quick, D.Ashfield, J.O'Connor.

Clevedon Colts won the coveted Tiverton 7's for the first time ending an excellent season for the Colts firmly establishing youth rugby once again at Clevedon.

Clevedon topped their group unbeaten with fine wins against Exmouth 17 - 5, Tiverton 36 - 7, Bideford 56 -0 and Wellington 24 - 7.

Clevedon progressed to the semi finals where Exeter were dispatched 34 - 7 as Clevedon romped in to the final where they met a much changed Wellington who had beaten tournament favourites Blundells.

Jason Quick was first to score for Clevedon out wide following a burst from O'Connell, and some good hands from Biggins and Ashfield. Wellington bounced back with two tries just before half time to take the lead 14pts to 5. Clevedon rallied for the second period denying their with some fine scrummaging from Vivian, O'Connell and Boyle, as tournament top try scorer Dean Ashfield blasted in for a score to set up a tense final 5 minutes. Ever present Harvey Russell shipped a ball to the impressive Paddy Boyle, who burst through the Wellington defence to score from 80 yards in the corner. Biggins added the extras to edge Clevedon into a 17 -14 lead. Clevedon hung on for the last few minutes and captain Rory Biggins lifted the trophy. - Final score Clevedon 17pts Wellington 14 pts.

A Player's Report by Chris Bird

Clevedon Colts travelled down to Tiverton with 2 strong 7's sides in hope of bringing back some silver wear.

The B team went out at an early stage losing all there games while the A team made it all the way through to the final. After the final whistle the shell hat of Paul Nichols came flying off and the bucket got kicked for the last time this season but this time it was in joy not rage. Clevedon colts had conquered Tiverton 7's for the first time. The team then went on to a hotel where they were staying and like they normally do after rugby started to relax with some beverages.

They all went to a pub in Exeter and then after a few more decided to go for a curry were champagne bottles were popped and storeys from the season that they just completed flowed. After one to many glasses and a curry the governor went in because old age sank in and the lads hit the clubs. After the team queued up for 35 minutes they finally got into a club were pints were drunk and crazy shapes were cut on the dance floor. The group slowly dispersed and people started going home, for example Dave Vivien was out for the count, while Dean Conway and Dean Ashfield thought it would be a good idea to wake up the manager of the B&B while trying to sneak a lady friend back to there rooms at 3 in the morning whilst Chris Bird went out on a milk bottle run.

In the morning when it was all said and done and the hangovers were at there peak the team piled on the mini bus and NOTHING, not saying any names but someone left the lights on and the team had to wait for the AA. After the AA had been the team piled back onto the bus and we were off. And that was the end of our season.

It's been a great year with many ups and downs but many thanks to Paul Nichols and Ross Brace who stared this colts side from scratch and gave a lot of there own time to make it a very successful colts side and also thanks to all the parents that helped with lifts week in week out. Good luck next year to all the 2nd yr colts who now need to move on and good luck to the Colts side next year who have a great season ahead of them.

Team: A.Freeman, S.Johns, T.Thie, A.Vailes, C.Cates, D.Hawkes, T.Excell, N.Tucker, J.Morgan, T.Lisney, J.Pearce, W.McMillan(c), N.Bridle, J.Shopland, D.Rawle. Reps: B.Ford, S.Barnes, B.Littleton, M.Harris, H.Russell, J.russell

As the scoreline suggests this was a close game at the finish after Taunton scored 2 very late tries in the dying minutes. However, Clevedon did enough to win and learnt a lot from the youngsters that were introduced into this match.

Clevedon score a converted try after just 1 minute and a rout looked on the cards. Taunton had other ideas and came back strongly, but couldn't score until the 25th minute, after which time they were adrift by 12 points.

This was a fiercely contested and lively game with a cash reward from the RFU for the winners. Not that this had any influence on the park because both sides were intent on enjoying themselves by flinging the ball about. Inevitably, mistakes were made on both sides, with Clevedon making less and becoming the winners.

It was good to see our Sunday Independent columnist Tony Pomeroy, running the line and enjoying the banter of the crowd. His column should make interesting reading on Sunday given that he had a birds eye view of proceedings. No doubt he'll manage to mention Bridgwater somewhere!!!

Anyway, Clevedon won and progress to next season's Powergen National cup at the expense of Taunton, whose discipline let them down badly on the night. A few less back chats and penalties might have made all the difference.

Well done to coach Mark Hawkes, skipper Neil Tucker and his troops for maintaininf SW1 status next season...can't wait!

Team: S.Johnson, S.Johns, T.Thie, A.Vailes, C.Cates, D.Hawkes, B.Ford, B.Littleton, J.Morgan, T.Lisney, J.Pearce, W.McMillan(c), N.Bridle, J.Shopland, D.Rawle. Reps: S.Barnes, N.Tucker, W.Cooper

Clevedon went into the this game knowing that a win would secure their place in South West One for next season. They knew they had to play their hearts out and they did. Unfortunately, all their good intentions came to nothing despite their huge effort and commitment.

With the sun beaming down on the hottest day of the year so far, Reading Abbey took a three minute lead with a converted try after their number 8 rampaged through non-existent Clevedon tackling. A tough task was made even tougher by this unforgivable error, but Clevedon did not let it affect them. They tore into the dominant Reading Abbey pack in the loose and upset them so much, they conceded two penalties in the 16th and 18th minutes. The half continued in much the same vein, with Clevedon being shunted back in the scrums but making up for it in the loose. Reading Abbey were really getting flustered by a rising penalty count against them and ended the half 12-10 down after some superb long range penalties from Dan Hawkes. What a way to finish the 45 minute half.

Within 15 minutes of the restart Clevedon were 15-13 ahead and containing everything that Reading Abbey could throw at them. MOTM Neil Bridle's tackle count was huge and with Hawkes keeping the points ticking over Clevedon looked like they might sneak it. Shortly after this Clevedon had number 8 Dave Rawle yellow carded and as a result lost the initiative and 12 points. Although 25-15 down, Clevedon had enough ball to conjure a try or two, but couldn't penetrate the defence through lack of guile and cunning. Nevertheless, Clevedon stuck to their task and were now a team of walking wounded. Wayne Mcmillan was replaced by Will Cooper after 25 minutes, who in turn was replaced by Steve Barnes after 25 minutes and 45 seconds, a dislocated shoulder ending his league debut. Steve Johnson playing at scrum half limped and hobbled all match long and there were other hard ground knocks throughout the team that didn't help their cause.

The final whistle blew in the 49th minute of the second half and Clevedon's fate was now in the hands of Clifton down at Penryn. A telephone call from the convalescing Mike Thomas with the result, confirmed that Clevedon had retained South West One status by 32 points after a narrow home win for Penryn. Despite losing Clevedon were safe as a result of the dogged determination shown in this game. A double over Penryn earlier in the season also helped and allowed this young Clevedon team to celebrate as only they know how!

Clevedon's last match of the season is a play-off game away to Taunton to determine who gets the remaining Somerset place in this cup. The match will be played on Wednesday 26th April, kick-off is at 19:00. Visit Taunton's website, www.tauntonrfc.co.uk for directions.

Click the image and help the club win a prize!!

Please click here to see the Winner!!

Team: R.Meredith, C.Cates, J.Basset, M.Harris, N.O'Rourke, S.Johnson, N.Hudson, C.Page, R.Hughes, J.Durant(c), N.Hill, P.Gamble, N.Bridle, B.Kemp. Reps: S.Barnes, B.Ford

This was the only game in town on Easter Saturday and a hard fought affair it was too. A bone hard pitch on a sunny day meant that there was lots of running about to be done. This suited Clevedon who had the edge out wide using their pace to advantage on many occasions. However, it was Thornbury who got the first points on the board after 30 minutes to lead 7-0. In the remaining ten minutes of the half Clevedon had scrummage after scrummage, shoving Thornbury all over the place. Right on the stroke of half time, Smudger Smiff decided there had been enough collapsing and awarded a penalty try that Nellie converted.

The second half began with Clevedon exterting even more pressure and the result was a converted break away try for Chris Cates. Replacement Barnes poached another one after stealing it out of the hands of Paul Gamble, who wasn't best pleased!! A converted fourth try was scored on the first team pitch before play was moved to the second team pitch because of a serious injury to a Thornbury player. Ten minutes play was enough time for Steve Johnson to get on the score sheet, with Neil O'Rourke kicking his fifth conversion - a very impressive strike rate.

A final scoreline of 35-7 will keep Clevedon high in the second team league table. This win was all the more convincing given that there were five forty somethings in the pack and two in the backs. I wonder if Thornbury knew they were playing the best part of a Clevedon Vets side?!

The report by Mark Hawkes can be found here.

Team: T.Thie, S.Johns, W.Cooper, A.Vailes, R.Trinnick, D.Hawkes, D.Filby, B.Stone, J.Morgan, T.Lisney, J.Pearce, W.McMillan(c), S.Barnes, J.Shopland, D.Rawle. Reps: B.Ford, R.Hughes, B.Littleton, D.Hand, H.Russell

After all the faffing about, this match was finally played at WSM. Clevedon lost the first half 16-34 but won the second 19-17. Unfortunately, when these are added together Clevedon missed the final by 16 points.

Clevedon played really well and competed in all phases of the game, but were undone by the speed and elusiveness of the Bridgwater backs. Ben Stone got 2 tries, Dan Filby one and the try of the afternoon came from debutant Robert Trinnick who swerved and jinked his way over from 80 yards!! Clevedon can now look forward to the visit to Reading Abbey in 2 weeks time, where a win would ensure their place in South West One.

The annual gathering of VP's and sponsors took place this Saturday, but unfortunately there was no game for them to watch. Spartans could not raise a side, which gave Clevedon a 2 point walk over and the expected tense afternoon didn't materialise. The Colts game was also cancelled because Exmouth couldn't raise a side either - what is happening, couldn't they be bothered to travel or what? Either way Clevedon are out of pocket and something needs to be done about this spate of short notice cry-offs.

Come on Tone, put something about this in your Sunday Independent column, rather than using it to advertise for a Bridgwater Colts game!

Despite the disappointment of no match to watch, the VP's and Sponsors enjoyed themselves anyway and watched the Grand National instead. All the talk was about points differences and what the league would do if the relegation battle was to be decided on points difference. We'll just have to wait and see.

Report by Paul Nicholls

Clevedon mixed youth and experience and came up with the perfect cocktail to run out 57pts to 12 against an intoxicated Southmead.

With no fewer than 12 from Clevedons successful colts, ever young Butch Dunn and a few other old stagers Clevedon made the trip to Southmead aided by the creative Tom Excell.

17 year old Grant Charrington got proceedings underway with some quality breaks at centre supported by Dean Ashfield and James O'Connor and it wasn't long before Grant scored the first of his two tries. Biggins added the points and soon after the quickly maturing 10 also added a try himself. Influential number 8 Harvey Russell added another in the corner & Tom Excell finished the half with a scintillating break down the blind to score from 60 yds as Clevedon turned round 31 - 5 ahead at the break.

The second half again started with a bang as Prop Chris Alexander combined with Excell to add his second score. Centre Ash the Bash bagged one as did debutant Alex Dorrington showing good pace and step to go in under the posts. Fine performances by Colts Bullymore, Conway and Clarke shows good promise for the future, whilst it was encouraging to see the return of the powerful Simon Bettesworth making his first start in seven years.

Clevedon's pack had the final say with a good try by Gareth Gould to round a good days graft, Excell showed his class albeit behind a commanding and rampaging 3rd team pack. Biggins pushed his seasons points tally past the 100 mark with a haul of 17pts.

It is with deepest regret that we have to report the death of our longest serving member. Owen joined the Club in 1947 and held the position of Full Back and Goal Kicker for many years, on occasions turning out for Bristol United. He was Fixture Secretary for a long period before becoming Club President, a position he took over from his Father-in-Law Pop Newton. Owen was very involved with the development of the Club Premises over the years spending far more hours than he should have done labouring for the experts, but it was people like him that enabled us to have the facilities we have today. Although badly affected by a stroke six years ago Owen still struggled down to see most home games and was as proud as any of us of the progress the Club has made in recent years.

He will be sadly missed by us all.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mark Hawkes and members of the Somerset County RFU Committee for nominating me for a Volunteer Award Weekend at Twickenham. What a shame the Irish, on the field, did not match the excellent hospitality I received elsewhere.

At the Pre Match Lunch I had the pleasure of sitting next to Dr Voyce, father of Tom, and attending the Dinner in honour of the Irish Team later in the evening. It was a wonderful way to celebrate fifty six very enjoyable years with Clevedon.

Richard Newton

Report by Ross Brace

This game was played in monsoon like conditions but this did not stop the colts scoring 6 tries. Clevedon were dominant from the start with the excellent Harvey Russell everywhere. It was not long before the powerful Dean Ashfield crossed for the opening try after good work from Nick Thorne . With clevedon enjoying territorial advantage thro the astute kicking of Rory Biggins it wasn`t long before James o`connor sped over after a slick handling move. With Harvey Russell and Ryan Smith taking ball almost at will in the lineouts it was almost inevitable that clevedon would score again and it was Dean Conway that duly obliged after good work from Grant Charrington. Dean Ashfield then competed his hat trick after a scintillating break from Tom Williams. The second half continued in the vane with clevedon constantly attacking but the scores wouldn`t come mainly due to handling mistakes due to the conditions. But a score finally came when the robust Tom O`Connell powered his way over. Clevedon than rang the changes with Danny Williams making his debut. As hard as they pressed though the scores kept eluding them. Rory Biggins slotted two conversions in awful conditions and gave a solid defensive display. This week clevedon travel to Penarth for what promises to be a tough encounter.

Report by Ross Brace

The colts made the long journey into West Somerset after a couple of weeks off. The worry that the lack of games might have made Clevedon a bit rusty was unfounded though, as they produced a polished performance. Playing up the slope and into the wind Clevedon were always going to be on the back foot but the tackling of all fifteen especially the back row of Russell, Bullimore and Thorne was superb. Grant Charrington opened the scoring for Clevedon with a fifty yard try which Biggins converted. Minehead then attacked with real venom and it wasn't long before they to have a converted try of their own. Clevedon's defence was really put under pressure but Chris Alexander and Tom O Connell came up with important turnovers. The hosts were restricted to a long-range penalty just before half time.

The second half started with Clevedon on top and this trend was continued for the rest of the half. Tries came at regular intervals with Dorrington scoring the pick of these after a dozen phases. Tom OConnell got his customary try after good work from Dave Vivian. Harvey Russell scored from a rehearsed move and Dean Ashfied burst over to complete the scoring. 3 of the tries were converted by Rory Biggins . A good all round performance by the Colts, home to Cullompton next Sat.

The report by Mike Thomas can be found here.

Team: S.Johnson, S.Johns, T.Thie, A.Vailes, B. Ford, D.Hawkes, D.Filby, B.Stone, J.Morgan, N.Tucker(c), J.Pearce, J.Durant, N.Bridle, S.Barnes, W.McMillan. Reps: T.Lisney, R.Hughes, C.Page

It was widely expected that Clevedon would raise their game sufficiently to compete with title chasers Weston Super Mare. They did it so well that WSM were given a real fright after expecting a cruise to victory. In the end though, Clevedon could not get the extra points and WSM clung on to win the game to keep their title hopes alive.

This performance by Clevedon was a vast improvement on the previous weeks efforts and the backs began to look the dangerous outfit they've threatened to be all season. A couple of speculative kicks by WSM with outrageously high bounces on a soft pitch, caught Clevedon wrong footed and in the end was the difference between these sides. The Clevedon pack dominated for long periods, but could make that final break through. A very good and encouraging performance ahead of next week's cup clash.

Earlier in the week, the game looked like it would have be played at the school because The Vale was waterlogged. Several old forkers spent several hours forking and the pitch was rescued. Our thanks must go these old forkers, whose hard forking and toil saved the day and allowed the first home game since the 18th January to be played at Coleridge Vale. The bar take can verify this!!

Can you help us please?

A few more photos have been added to the missing persons library. Players that have been identified are named below each photo.

Thanks.

On Sunday 13th November 2005, the U14's and U17's County sides were in action. Clevedon had two players selected at U14 level, Catherine Taylor and Kate Alder, who captained the side. They won against Gloucester 10-0 and drew with Dorset & Wilts 5-5 and now play Devon in the final.

Clevedon were also represented at U17 level by four players. Amy Summerell, Natasha Summerell, Katie Black and Helen Bunce. They played Gloucester first and won comfortably 34-0 and then beat Dorset & Wilts 5-3 to move into the South West final against Devon

Both games will be played at Bridgwater on the 4th December 2005

Clevedon travelled down the M5 in anticipation of a tough game and Wellington duly obliged. Clevedon playing into the elements first half gave their opponents a torrid time up front with C Alexander and Paul Button well to the fore. Midway through the first half R Biggins kicked a penalty after powerful driving from the excellent D Vivian. For all Clevedon's pressure they only turned round 3-0 up at the oranges. Second half started in the same vain with T Bullimore and T Williams getting in behind the defence and it was no surprise when T O`Connell drove over from close in for a try which was converted by R Biggins. Clevedon then lost concentration and allowed Wellington back into the game, which resulted in a well worked try out wide. This woke Clevedon up and with the tireless R Smith and speed of thought of C Bird Clevedon pegged the opposition back, which resulted in a try for D Vivian that was converted by R Biggins. Wellington then threw caution to the wind but good tackling by the backs resulted in a turnover from which M Wedlake sped over.
By Ross Brace

Click the thumbnail image for more photos.

This game was the inaugural Pete Creber Memorial Trophy, aptly won by Gordano, who in the end had a few more old flyers than Clevedon did.

In lovely muddy conditions, the game was a feast of slug paced rugby, which entertained the crowd. Constant rolling subs added to the excitement and each team had their dominant moments that meant the outcome was uncertain. It was only in the last 20 that Gordano's fitness won the day and the combatants duly posed for a joint team photo. Good rugby, great mates and a wonderful tribute to that old Gordano stalwart Pete Creber.

Clevedon have drawn Keynsham away in round one of the Somerset Cup, which has to be played before the 15th January 2006. This should be another mouth watering encounter as the sides drew 23 all at the end of last season. A result that ensured Clevedon's presence in South West One this season.

Clevedon Rugby Club are extremely thankful for the continuing support of the club by our sponsors. If you're visiting the club why not stay at the Old Inn, book a round of golf at Clevedon Golf Club, watch the rugby at Coleridge Vale and then while away the late evening in the Mandrake Club.

If after all that you like the place so much, you could buy a house through Simon Williams Estate Agents, get your mortgage from Exclusive Benefits and all your DIY goods from Staddons Timber.

Alternatively, you may want to build your own house by asking Russell Construction, who will use Shoplands Sawmills for all their heavy timber needs and get Voyager to wire it for all latest technology.

Sounds great doesn't it. All we need now are other sponsors that supply additional services for painting and decorating, furnishings, hardware, carpets, cars, printing, alternative therapies and so on, which would certainly provide the happiest of endings to this sponsors story and to Clevedon Rugby Club!!

If any other companies or individuals would like to sponsor the Club and be part of a this great story, please contact any of the Club Officers found in the Information link above.