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Avonmouth RFC 1st XV 11 Vs 17 Clevedon RFC 1st XV
Anthony Dauncey21 Sep 2022 - 14:40
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Clevedon bounce back with well earned win at Avonmouth
Clevedon made the short journey up the M5 to take on Avonmouth at there Barracks lane home looking to bounce back from last weeks derby defeat. Injuries and availability saw 8 changes to the selected team before a further 2 changes in the hours before kick off left a much changed side taking on a resurgent Mouth! Traffic issues added to the mayhem and Clevedon approached kick off fearing the worst.
Both teams started strongly with the home sides physical approach being countered by Clevedons robust defence and dynamic structured play, however after 10 minutes the Blue and Golds were struck another blow when the referee adjudged the flanker O’Brien had tackled a player in the air as the home player attempted to hurdle his tackle, despite the travelling crowds protests O’Brien was sent to the bin.
Avonmouth smelt blood and pinned Clevedon in their own 22 however Solid defence from Gates, Martin and Fear kept the home pack at bay, then when the games outstanding player Joe Williams turned the ball over he released Fisher and Gates to launch a counter attack which was stopped illegally and the returning Ethan Thomas gave the visitors a 0-3 lead.
Clevedon rode out the remaining time on the sin bin, however they then immediately let there guard slip as a clever screen move saw Avonmouth get outside the defence and cross in the corner for a 5-3 lead. This spurred Clevedon into life and after strong running from Summerell, Livingstone and Angel gained field position before Largenton was stopped short of the line, however the lively Fisher caught the defence napping as he played the ball quickly and crossed to restore the Seasiders lead with Thomas making it 5-10.
The remaining 15 minutes of the 1st half saw Clevedon dominate the chances, however despite there structure and powerful running they couldn’t add to the score with Gates and Crew going close and an Avonmouth penalty was the only score as the half ended with Balcombe being held up other the line.
The second half saw Avonmouth come out strong using the slope to gain good field position however with the back row of O’Brien, Gates and Martin strong in the tackle and the turnover machines of Williams and Crew Clevedon looked dangerous on the counter attack with Poulter and Thomas both to the fore.
After Russell and Ward replaced O’Brien and Balcombe it was another of these counter attacks that created the next score , another turnover release Poulter on the left and a well judged (or very lucky miss kick) looked as though it was going straight out however a fortunate bounce was recovered by the hardworking Hervey on the opposite wing and as the home side protested the back row turned emergency winger ran 50 yards to score under the posts, Thomas converting for a 8-17 lead
This score energised the home team and they through everything they had to get something out of the game, with ten to go they kicked a penalty but that was the final score of the game as Taylor came on for Summerell and Clevedon shut the game down.
A tough day at the office for both teams but the Clevedon side will come away knowing they have shown that they have the character to match there undoubted ability. Now they just need to work on getting there best side together consistently.
Clevedon Men of the Match – Joe Williams (12) & Ryan Hervey (11)
Both teams started strongly with the home sides physical approach being countered by Clevedons robust defence and dynamic structured play, however after 10 minutes the Blue and Golds were struck another blow when the referee adjudged the flanker O’Brien had tackled a player in the air as the home player attempted to hurdle his tackle, despite the travelling crowds protests O’Brien was sent to the bin.
Avonmouth smelt blood and pinned Clevedon in their own 22 however Solid defence from Gates, Martin and Fear kept the home pack at bay, then when the games outstanding player Joe Williams turned the ball over he released Fisher and Gates to launch a counter attack which was stopped illegally and the returning Ethan Thomas gave the visitors a 0-3 lead.
Clevedon rode out the remaining time on the sin bin, however they then immediately let there guard slip as a clever screen move saw Avonmouth get outside the defence and cross in the corner for a 5-3 lead. This spurred Clevedon into life and after strong running from Summerell, Livingstone and Angel gained field position before Largenton was stopped short of the line, however the lively Fisher caught the defence napping as he played the ball quickly and crossed to restore the Seasiders lead with Thomas making it 5-10.
The remaining 15 minutes of the 1st half saw Clevedon dominate the chances, however despite there structure and powerful running they couldn’t add to the score with Gates and Crew going close and an Avonmouth penalty was the only score as the half ended with Balcombe being held up other the line.
The second half saw Avonmouth come out strong using the slope to gain good field position however with the back row of O’Brien, Gates and Martin strong in the tackle and the turnover machines of Williams and Crew Clevedon looked dangerous on the counter attack with Poulter and Thomas both to the fore.
After Russell and Ward replaced O’Brien and Balcombe it was another of these counter attacks that created the next score , another turnover release Poulter on the left and a well judged (or very lucky miss kick) looked as though it was going straight out however a fortunate bounce was recovered by the hardworking Hervey on the opposite wing and as the home side protested the back row turned emergency winger ran 50 yards to score under the posts, Thomas converting for a 8-17 lead
This score energised the home team and they through everything they had to get something out of the game, with ten to go they kicked a penalty but that was the final score of the game as Taylor came on for Summerell and Clevedon shut the game down.
A tough day at the office for both teams but the Clevedon side will come away knowing they have shown that they have the character to match there undoubted ability. Now they just need to work on getting there best side together consistently.
Clevedon Men of the Match – Joe Williams (12) & Ryan Hervey (11)
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