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.