Clevedon desperate bid for league points to be well away from the relegation zone before Christmas has failed. In fact this was Clevedon's worst perfoemance for many a season.

Clevedon started well and took an early lead with two penalties from the trusty boot of fly half Dan Hawkes. Clevedon were on top in all phases of the game, with outstanding James Morgan taking ball against the head in the scrums at regular intervals. Unfortunately, behind the scrums they flattered to deceive. WIth so much possession they could not break down the home defence. Wrong options, delayed passes, bad final passes and poor handling.

Spartans got into the game, when they realised that Clevedon were unable to take their chances and therefore the game was theirs for the taking. They put Clevedon's line under pressure and some pathetic tackling let them in for a well worked try. The Clevedon pack was beginning to crumble in the tight and lineout was scrappy. Spartans took the lead with a try from a rolling maul, something which Clevedon found hard to defend. Before the break Hawkes kicked a third penalty. Half time, 10-9 to Spartans.

The second half showed Spartans forwards taking the game to Clevedon and Clevedon living off scraps. Despite hard work by skipper Neil Tucker, he could not lift their heads. Spartans scored their third try from yet another rolling maul. Clevedon were guilty of aimless kicking of the ball by numerous players. They lacked an experienced head in the backs to calm the young studs down. They also missed the influential James Shopland in the back row, which was too small and ineffective.

Next week, Clevedon are at home to Cheltenham, kick off 14:30.