Rugby Ball2

Rawle brace keeps Seasiders in second spot

Wednesday, February 22, 2012
2:37 PM

Clevedon remained in second place in the league after an away win at Paignton.

A GOOD win away at Paignton saw  Clevedon remain second in the league.

From the start, they were asked questions by a determined home side that had only previously lost one home game.

Clevedon, with a slightly reshuffled side, took time to settle to the task but slowly gained momentum up front and after some fine driving forward play, Dave Rawle drove over for the first score of the game.

The home side responded quickly with a try of their own following a scrum five metres from the line, to equalise. Paignton continued to apply pressure, but Clevedon’s defence held firm.

Clevedon’s forwards began to turn the screw at the scrums, with Vivian, Stone and Giltrow to the fore. After a series of scrums close to the Paignton line, Rawle scored his second try which Mike Taylor converted. Clevedon ended the half in the ascendency leading 12-5.

After the break, Clevedon’s forwards continued to dominate, keeping the ball tight and playing the heavy conditions well. After a sustained period of pressure, Clevedon broke through the middle when Dean Ashfield crashed over after a fine run.

Head coach Nick Hill said: “I was pleased with this away win today as Paignton had previously only lost once at home this  season. We showed another string to our bow by playing the heavy conditions well and our forwards were outstanding.

“In order to become a better side you have to be able to adapt to the conditions or  opposition in front of you and that is exactly what we did today. Alex Giltrow, Ben Stone, Dave Vivian, Dave Rawle and George Towers were all outstanding.”

On Saturday, Clevedon entertain Weston at home in the Somerset Cup. Kick-off is  2pm and there is a vice-president’s lunch at 1pm.