A much improved second half performance saw the Clevedon boys overturn a rampant Bridgy side, coming from 12 points down to clinch a converted late try and defended for their lives to see the game out.

After a bright start we settled in and became lazy. Despite the pre match “gee-up” the tackling (from most) was particularly lacklustre as we allowed the strong Bridgewater runners to penetrate and gain ground at will. In attack Mac was at his usual "Vunipola-esque " self, and was justly rewarded with a couple of excellent tries for his barrelling direct efforts. However, when the ball did make its way outside we were incredibly selfish and threw away numerous overlap opportunities. One bright moment saw Woody pick a great line and showed fantastic determination to clinch his first try of the season and finish the first half level.

At half time the boys had to hear and admit a few home truths before taking back to the pitch. Although the lads improved hugely they could do nothing to stop the Bridgwater machine as it rolled on grabbing a well-deserved converted try on the half hour mark. 12 points down, the team galvanised and at last stood up to the task. The ball flowed freely at times and selfishness all but disappeared, tackling improved and the comeback was on! A cheeky blind try from Mac before Tyler Munn also finishing nicely from a tap penalty, followed by McCauly stepping up to slot the conversion. Scores level this was anyone's game.

It was the Clevedon boys who grabbed the initiative with a try worthy of a six nations winner let alone an U13’s Sunday morning friendly at The Vale. Ok I might be getting a bit excited here but the passage of play that culminated into what would ultimately become the decisive score was excellent rugby at the very least, and involved pretty much everyone on the pitch in a blue and gold jersey. Initially the scrum was won on the half way line, a passage of play then ensued going to the left touchline to the right and finally back to the left hand corner for Wadey to eventually touch down. The ball was passed between 9 different players over two quickly retained breakdowns. The icing on the cake was Tom Wills’ final pass – There’s every chance Tom could have finished this move off but pleasingly the teamwork ethic is beginning to show with him and he very unselfishly passed to make sure we 100% would get the touchdown. Well done fellas – pure team gold.

Bridgewater certainly didn’t deserve to be on the wrong end of the scoreboard and upped their game and dominated the closing stages. 1st half Clevedon would have capitulated and surrendered the game, but 2nd half Clevedon were a very different animal and a barrage of runs were thwarted including a held up try and a last ditch dive for the line muscled out of touch “Jack Nowel style” by a magnificent McCauly.

Loads of good stuff, but still plenty of bad to work on. Lessons from this week – wake up from the start! If someone is better placed pass them the ball, stop the selfishness it’s not welcome! Along with a bit more tackling, straighter running and defensive intensity we just might be a decent team one day…….;)

Please use the link below to watch the match video.

https://youtu.be/tXxTxkmxa1k