Come on you Allstars

Clevedon secured the Somerset 3 North league title with this win over their near rivals Yatton.

Yatton played down the slope and with a brisk win behind them.

Some good kicking and driving mauls put Clevedon under pressure and it was from such a drive that lead to the opening score for Yatton after Clevedon gave away a penalty.

The Clevedon Allstars then started to pick the pace up with some good midfield breaks by Simon Dunn and Paul Astle. Good field position gave Clevedon a scrum on the Yatton 10mtr line, a planned move went blind and a slick inside pass by Asti to Tony Donkin gave Clevedon their 1st try.

Constant pressure and good quick recycling of the ball was finished off powerfully by Jeff Maslen, Jenks kicked the extras.

After half time, it looked like it was going to be one way traffic for the Allstars but the young Yatton side put up a very spirited effort and should have scored a couple of tries, only to be tackled superbly inches from the line.

Clevedon sealed the win with tries from firstly Simon Dunn after a great break by Brad Summerell, Phil Reynolds and Ade Freeman.

Clevedon may not have been at their best but they can be proud of the first half effort up the slope and against the strong wind and can celebrate the league title.

The only challenge left for the Allstars now is to be undefeated for the whole season. 6 games to go… COME ON YOU ALLSTARS.

Hard Fought Victory

Once again the Allstars came away with a hard fought victory.

Stothert started the game with fire and determiation and it was Clevedon who were on the back foot for most of the first 20 mins. Good defence and excellent clearance kicking by Simon Carter relieved the constant pressure.

Gradually the Allstars got into the game creating good field position and pressure, Stothert & Pitt infringed on a couple of occassions and the consistant boot of Jenks knocked over a couple of penalties.

Things were looking up for Clevedon, only for Stothert & Pitt to score a good breakaway try down the blind side.

6 -5 at half time, it was anyones game, but it was, once again the Allstars powerful pack who tightened their hold on the game. Constant pressure on Stothert & Pitt line resulted in a good blind side try for big (not to be messed with) Russ Meredith who crashed over in the corner.

The second try came from similar presure; a kick to the corner followed by a well controlled rolling maul was rewarded by a try for Tucks. Jenks kicked the extras.

The last of the Allstars tries went to Eggie who ran in from 10 mtrs out using his power and pace.

Well done to all of the boys another excellent squad performance.

Next week meet 1pm away to Yatton. Allstar shirts to be worn !!!!

A little message to Chris Williams, if I may. The boys mention every week that it would be nice for you to still be part of this team and we are determined to keep winning for you. Your place is waiting for you when you get back. see you soon.

From the Allstars, XXXX

Dig Deep was the Call

On a wet and windy day and a pitch that was better suited to growing rice the Allstars showed once again why they have gone unbeaten this season.

Chew, were so desperate to play the game that they played on a pitch that was fully covered in standing water, the reason being… their 1st team game had been cancelled and they may have put a few in !!

The Allstars opted to play up the slope.

Chew started the game with powerful drives from their 1st team captain who was very direct but a little predictable. Ironically it was from one of his charges that Clevedon scored the opening try. A double tackle and turnover gave Clevedon the ball on the half way line, quick recycling, a good drive from Dauncey and good hands by the backs freed Jenks on the wing, he ran hard for the corner, a good tackle seemed to have saved the day but a superb inside pass was taken by Simon carter who drove the last defender over the line.

Chew hit back with some good interplay but fantastic defense held Chew out, only for the ref to have adjudged the mid field to be off side. Guy (prop) Winter kicked the 3 points. Simon Carter was shown a yellow card for alleged back chat.

Clevedon now started playing all of the rugby and were putting the Chew 8 under tremendous pressure. A succession of close range drives and scrums were held out by Chew but the Allstars remained calm and from a 5 metre scrum drove the much bigger Chew 8 over for Nellie to touch down, Jenks added the 2 points.

Clevedon turned round to play down the hill but against a strong wind and this wind proved crucial to the pattern of the game. Chew kicked well to the corners and pinned Clevedon down for most of the second half.

Determination, grit, courage, passion are just some of the words to describe the Allstars from 1 to 15. Try saving tackles became the norm with everyone putting their bodies on the line for their team.

Chew not content with the amount of 1st teamers on show upped the anti by adding a few more to press for victory.

Chew did add a converted try with about 10 mins to go when a clear knock-on from their No.8, was missed by the ref who was unsighted and awarded the try.

Dig deep was the call and that's what Clevedon did. It is difficult to pick out individuals in such a victory but the back row of Simon Dunn, Pagie and Baler were outstanding, Paul Astle stole the Chew ball time and time again at the lineout, Jammer smashed everything that moved and the pack as a whole scrummaged doggedly against what was, mostly 1st team players.

Well done to each and every one of the squad.

No Game next week. Next game at home to Midsomer Norton meet 1.30. 2nd Feb.

Hard Work for Allstars

The Allstars made hard work of beating a very average Hornets side.

The game started at a frantic pace with Clevedon playing all the rugby, phase after phase of direct running resulted in Neil Tucker crashing through two tacklers out wide.

A 50 pointer looked on the cards but all too often good opportunities were squandered.

The next 2 tries for Clevedon came courtesy of James Russell who had a good game and was making his Allstar debut.

A succession of missed tackles, the worst from the skipper allowed Hornets to score in the corner.

A big thank you must go to Mat Foster who played for the opposition and was probably their best player.

Debuts were also given to Dean Conway and James (Jimmer) Williams who has not played for 10 years both did well.

The next score came from Nellie O' a move down the blind side was finished off after some good continuity.

The last score and by far the best, was scored by big John Maggs. John playing at second row, had his best game so far for the Allstars, he made a few good runs and put in some great tackles, but the highlight was the try.

The move started in the Clevedon half, a direct run through the middle by Kyle Vickery (debut) was taken on by Peg, he was held up 10 mtrs from the line, a good offload in the tackle was taken by John who crashed over.

Jenks had an off day with the boot by his high standards but did get one conversion from wide out.

Next week is the big one… top of the table clash against Chew Valley on their tump.

Meet at the club at 12.45 - Blue Allstar shirts to be worn, if you have one.

Most importantly you must come with your best game head on.

Glorious Thirds Finish 2007 Unbeaten

After defending Combination Champions St Mary’s had cried off with the humiliating excuse of not being able to raise a side, the only game in town was the glorious thirds at Winscombe.

What a game it was as well, full of honest endeavour, pace and skill allied to with superb support play and clinical finishing.

The youthful Winscombe side did not have a chance as there were mismatches all over the park, no more so than in the front row where super-seniors Carl Dunn, John Evans and Colin Robertson totally dominated their first form counterparts.

Running rugby is what this All Stars team is about and with old heads like Nellie O’Rourke, Pete Frake, Matt Harris, Russ Meredith and Alan Dunn in the backs you can see why. If they ever made a mistake, the marauding backrow of Chris Page, Chris Williams and Simon Dunn would clean up and recycle. With Jamie Bale in the second row, Clevedon had a fourth back row capable of destroying anything in his path, which of course he did.

Fullback Nigel Jenkins, emulating his father’s prodigious kicking talents, kicked conversions at regular intervals and generally defended his line well, although he was prone to crabbing up the field rather than taking route one.

The only exception to the golden oldies was Ryan “Chuckie” Smith who was a good 20 years younger and used as the speed merchant on the wide outside. He was well supported by the footballing winger, Dave Legg, who is playing in his first season at the ripe old age of 42!

It’s no wonder that this unbeaten third team haven’t lost this season. Twleve of the starting fifteen had all played first team rugby in their youth and were coaxed out of retirement by Mr. Indestructible. There are so many of them now that Nellie has to be a diplomat and use the rolling subs rule wisely.

There cannot be a stronger Vets third team in the land than this lot, who are all great adverts for looking after yourself and having a healthy lifestyle.

Keep up the winning season boys.

Please click the Fixtures link.

Sloppy Thirds

This was tough, not because the Avon side were good but because for once this year the Allstars did not perform.

From the start it looked like business as usual with Clevedon totally in charge of proceedings, good powerful forward drives, slick movement in the backs and plenty of turnovers.

Clevedon were ahead after 5 mins from a Mark Jenkins penalty. The Clevedon pressure continued although by now things were getting a bit sloppy. The only Clevedon try came from good pressure on the Avon line a charge down lead to Pete Frake going over and Jenks kicking the extra 2 points.

Avon got on the scoreboard after poor tackling lead to a length of the field breakaway converted try for Avon.

Half time came to the rescue for Clevedon. For a short while in the second half it looked as though the poor play by Clevedon was just a blip as the Allstars camped in the Avon half, although wrong decisions and poor execution squandered plenty of chances. The only addition to the Clevedon score was 2 penalties by Jenks.

This should have been an easy 20 point victory for the Allstars, but it was Avon who played with more passion and confidence scoring a well taken try courtesy of some very indifferent tackling.

Avon should really have gone on to win this game, but when you are used to winning as the Allstars are, it is hard to accept defeat and Clevedon went on to victory.

Congratulations to Dave Legg who made his first of hopefully many games for the club.

Next week the Allstars are at home to Keynsham. Meet 13:00 for a 14:30 kick off.

Toughest Game

Clevedon started this game expecting to do well as it was probably the best side fielded so far this year.

From the off, Clevedon attacked through powerful forward drives, with Jeff maslen and Colin Robinson to the fore.

A drive down the left hand side was recycled quickly and spun to the right, passing through all of the backs for Pete Frake to touch down in the corner. Jenks kicking the extras from the touch line.

Superb handling and interplay was the order of the day with all of the Clevedon players outclassing their opposite number.

Butch Dunn and Paul Gamble were rock solid up front and the loose forward trio of Asti, Simon Dunn and Willie were all over the park.

Further tries in the first half were scored by Matt Harris, Pete Frake, Simon Dunn 2 and the pick of the tries went to the irrepressible Benny Carroll was on hand to sprint over from 20 yards after a telling break from Matt Harris. Jenks kicking all but 1 conversion.

Just Before half time Yatton had an injury which caused them to call for uncontested scrummages, this changed the game dramatically allowing Yatton 5 times as much possession as they had in the first half.

Clevedon did manage to score two more tries, firstly through a controlled catch and drive at a lineout, John Harvey got his head down (not for the first time this year!!) and drove to the line for what is believed to be his first try for the club.

The last try went to Nellie after a great switch in mid field between Ade Freeman and Frakey, good vision and timing of the pass freed Nellie up to go over from the 22.

Well done to all 20 that played in giving our local rivals a bit of a hammering.

Still unbeaten after 8 games. Come on you oldies!!!

Next week at away to Bath Avon. Meet 12:30pm for a 2pm kick off.

Toughest Game

This was the toughest game of the season so far for the Allstars.

Stothard and Pitt threw everything into the first 10 mins of this game and looked dangerous in all departments. Clevedon soaked up the pressure for long periods and even caused a certain try by S & P to be knocked on in Clevedons try area.

Gradually the pack exerted their pressure in the scrums with Paul Gamble and Butch Dunn smashing their opposite No's and as usual the turnover count was very high in Clevedons favour.

The first Clevedon try came from a scrum 10 mtrs out, a good strike by John Evans, great control at 8 by Chris Williams, a sharp break from the base by Nellie O, an off load to Willie and over he went.

The next Clevedon score came when S & P tried to run from their own 22, a crunching tackle by Mark Jenkins was followed up by Simon Dunn who was all over the played like a rash. A penalty was awarded and Jenks made no mistake with the 3 points.

Eight nil at the turn was looking to be too small a lead to hold onto as the slope was now against the Allstars. The young S & P players were expecting like so many before them, for the old Clevedon boys to tire. How wrong they were, the forward domination continued and with the backs defence absolutely rock solid Clevedon took a strangle hold on proceedings.

A try should have been scored from a superbly controlled rolling maul only for the ball to be dropped over the line. However, it was not long before S & P were under pressure for the awesome Allstars pack, Willie crossing for a similar score after another strong scrummage. Jenks was again on target taking the score to 15-0

Clevedon continued to put S & P under pressure and soon added a penalty by Jenks.

The final score went to S & P with 5 mins to go.

Another great team performance from the whole squad, many of whom battled on when injured.

Paul Gamble and James Griffin made their first appearance of the season and performed as if they had never been away.

Next week at home for the first time in 6 weeks against local rivals Yatton. Meet at 2pm.

The Colin and Joe Show

This game was tough, the average weight of the Taunton pack must have been 16 stone and when you are faced with a battle like that it takes some time to wear the opposition down. That is exactly what happened.

Although Clevedon had most of the possession and they went 3 nil up from a Simon Carter drop goal, Taunton replied with a catch and drive try which was impossible to stop.

That was the way it stayed until half time largely thanks to some very indifferent refereeing decisions.

After the oranges the Allstars came into their own with all of the debutants showing up well. First outing for the Allstars were made by Simon Carter, Pete Frake, Ege, Mat Harris and a first ever senior game for the club by Joe Robinson. All played big parts in the win.

Clevedons first try came from Steve Treanor who used his pace and determination to score from out wide. Jenks slotting the conversion.

The second came from fantastic hands by all of the backs, it may not have been at the pace of our 1sts, but it was slick. Steve Treanor touching down again for Jenks to add the extras.

The 3rd try came from the ever reliable at least 1 try a game Asti.

A box kick from Matt Harris was chased by Nellie who recycled the ball, fantastic, quick, ruck ball was spun out to Chris Williams he was stopped just short of the line and popped out of the tackle to Asti.

Special mention to Colin and Joe Robinson who played their first Father and Son game together. What a special moment for both of them.

Man of the match was Chris Williams who as they say "was everywhere".

Next week to Stothert and Pitt meet at 1pm.

Come on you Oldies.

The Allstars continue in their winning ways.

Early pressure by the Clevedon pack lead to a fine try by Chris Williams. Mark Jenkins kicked the extras.

The second try came from a good break in the mid-field by Baler, the ball was recycled several times when Butch Dunn spotted a gap and crashed over from 10mtrs out. Jenks again kicking the extras.

The third try was the best of the season so far, another break in mid-field set up good field position, quick ruck ball was whipped out to Chris Willams who took on the winger and offloaded superbly to Nellie who then popped inside to the ever present Asti to go over.

Simon Dunn capped another fine performance with a well taken try before half time. Jenks again on target. Taking Clevedon into the break 26 -0 up.

The second half was a very different affair, the referee doing everything he could to get Oldfield back into it, with nearly every decision going against the Allstars.

Oldfield scored 17 unanswered points the put the pressure on, however it was Clevedon who had the last say, a quick tap penalty by Nellie fed John Evs out wide, he gave a smart return pass, good quick ruck ball was popped up to Chris Williams who brushed off several tacklers to notch up his second of the day.

Jenks who is striking the ball well this season added 2 more points to ease the boys to a comfortable victory.

Next week away to Taunton, meet 1pm

Allstars Proud

The Allstars travelled to Midsomer Norton with a slightly changed side but were full of confidence. The early exchanges were fairly even. The Norton side were far bigger than the Clevedon boys, but experience was on Clevedon's side and they used it to great effect in the rolling mauls and in turnover situations.

The first score with Clevedon playing up the slope and into the wind, came from a good catch and drive at the line out, the Clevedon 8 drove in-field creating a big blind side which Nellie used well, feeding Paul Astle for his third try in 2 games. Jenks slotted a difficult conversion.

Clevedon's second score was a penalty try awarded when Rob Cates was tackled without the ball after a chip and chase. Jenks made no mistake from under the post with his kick.

Norton made 5 changes at half time and started to dominate proceedings. They used their superior pace out wide to run in 2 tries with only one being converted.

All of the players can be proud of this victory away to a strong and physical Norton side.

A special mention to the new boys John Maggs, Tony Donkin and Andy Neads, all battled through with injuries and to man of the match Simon Dunn who's tackling, turnover rate and support was superb.

Next week away to Bristol Harlequins meet 1pm