Hornets II 19 Clevedon 33
12th October 2026
The sun shone brightly for this well-contested local derby and it served up a treat.
The game started at an agressive pace and after two minutes, Charlie Tucker had to leave the pitch with a shoulder injury to be replaced by Guy Prideaux.
The game ebbed and flowed and it was a guessing game as to who would score first. Defences from both sides were on high alert and it was the home side that finally broke the deadlock with an unconverted try on 25 minutes.
The next try for Hornets was a wierd gift for them. Clevedon had Hornets pinned near their own goal line and an attempted clearance was sliced right into Clevedon's midfield but still within the 22. So shocked were Clevedon to receive the ball in this way that they comically fumbled it. The resulting loose ball was snapped up by Hornets to score under the post for a 14 nil lead on 29 minutes.
Hornets lead was reduced almost immediately when captain Jack Crew went over after a lineout catch and drive, converted by Louis Fear, 14-7. On the stroke of half time, Clevedon drew level with the homeside with a try out wide by wily old Joe Williams down the blindside, 14-12.
The second half started with Clevedon's pack very much on top. They had the Hornets pack going back so fast, it was as if the breaks had failed going downhill.
As a result of this forward dominance Clevedon were next on the scoresheet through the first of Tom Dommett's three tries. Hornets never regained the lead after that.
It was this forward dominance that won the game for Clevedon as both sets of backs cancelled each other out with defensive efforts. Saying that though, Clevedon had their moments but resolute defence kept them out and consequently, four of the five tries were from forwards.
Hornets scored their third try with 15 minutes left to level the score at 19-19. Squeaky bum time for Clevedon but then Tom Dommett scored the final two tries in quick succession to allow Clevedon some breathing space in the final minutes. He was awarded the MOTM as a result of his efforts.
Next week, Clevedon are away to Wells for a 15:00 kick off. The Saxons are at home to Bristol Telephones, also for a 5:00 kick off.
