What looks like a routine victory in the Valley was actually a far more even game than the score suggested. Pretty similar sides both looking a little rusty in patches took advantage of a break in the weather and put on an entertaining mornings rugby.

Clevedon were sporting a couple of guest faces for this first time friendly at home against Stockwood Sharks. Donna & Bram had travelled from the Netherlands to watch the six nations clash between Wales and Scotland at the renamed “Principality Stadium” …….doesn’t quite have the same ring to it does it? But in a world where naming rights and sponsorship seems to govern everything it’s good to see a few old fashioned traits still exist. Rugby friendliness (off the pitch) knows no bounds, it was fantastic to have Donna & Bram turn up to training, see that they were welcomed so warmly by all and actually managed to take part in Sunday mornings game (very nearly missing their flight home in the process)!!! What an experience for them, and I am very pleased and proud we were able to provide that, with thanks to our guys and Stockwood for allowing this happen. Especially Finster, Woody and Mr Lee who very unselfishly gave up their jerseys to play for Stockwood and in doing so provided our Dutch guests with a role in the Blue and Gold of Clevedon. As it happens both of our international signings deputised very well indeed, each having a very worthy impact on the game.

The early exchanges were rife with basic mistakes, however Mac making the early breakthrough after some good work on the blind. Clevedon were generally on top for the rest of half but gave away a huge amount of penalties, due to poor technique, ill-discipline……..but mostly a whistle crazy ref who was happy to be back in the middle after a long layoff and completely took advantage of his opportunity  (sorry guys) . Eventually Stockwood’s rapid winger scorched round the outside from well within their half to level the scores. With half time imminent Sharks spurned the chance to kick the ball out of play and turn around even, instead kicking to the pack and some excellent retention saw The Tiny Tornado slip around the outside of the defence and provide a “world class” finish to score in the corner. The second half was much the same with Clevedon generally pressing down the hill. A couple of quick tapped penalties caught the Stockwood defence napping with Rudy and McCauley adding a couple of scores respectively. Late on Stockwood grabbed a deserved late interception try as Clevedon tried to play themselves out of trouble. And at the death Rudy was to add another in a much improved personal performance from our “ball carrying” prop. Other notable performances were Jake in his first ever game for CRFC, I was very impressed with his contribution on debut and can’t wait to see how he develops in the coming weeks. However the biggest development for me has been Ty Scott who earnt a start on the flank after some impressive tackling performances on the wing lately………..I think we may have found his position! Well done Tyler keep up the rapid progression, I’m excited to see how far you can develop.

And so we wish Stockwood well for the rest of the season and wave goodbye to our European friends after a short but fulfilling relationship. We have incidentally, been invited to visit “anytime” on tour, which proves the bond and respect of rugby spans both language and continental borders alike but more importantly they didn’t get long enough to realise what a horrible lot of troublesome, nightmare individuals you really are!!!!!!!!!!!
Cut and paste link to watch match video:

https://youtu.be/B6haKgQedyY