Clevedon edged out in entertaining encounter

Clevedon 27 pts

Bridgwater 35 pts

From a spectator’s point of view, this was an entertaining encounter that was pulsating right up until the final minute.

A much-improved Clevedon pushed Bridgwater all the way and deserved at least a bonus point out of the game.

The opening exchanges were equal as both sides tested each others defences, but it was Bridgwater who opened the scoring with a catch and drive at the line-out, resulting in a converted try.

The Seasiders came straight back recycling the ball and a midfield break saw the ball go through several pairs of hands which allowed the powerful Gary Carpenter to score a try, converted by Tom Thie.

From the restar, Clevedon conceded a simple penalty which Bridgy converted. The next 10 minutes were even with Clevedon edging the set piece battle. However, a dropped pass saw Bridgy gain the ball and some soft tackling allowed them to score another converted try.

Moments later, Clevedon had a man sin binned and Bridgy converted the resultant penalty. Just before the break, Clevedon struck back with a catch and drive try from Carpenter, converted by Thie, to make it 14-20 to Clevedon at the break.

The second half saw more of the same as both sides tried to gain the advantage and it was Bridgy who scored the first points with another penalty. Thie replied in kind with two penalties for Clevedon to bring the score to 20-23.

Back came Bridgwater with a well-worked converted try and with 15 minutes left they scored another try to make it 20-35.

Clevedon hit back with the power of the pack and forced Bridgy to concede a penalty try for 27-35. The last few minutes saw Clevedon in control and trying to earn a losing bonus point, but sadly ran out of time.

Head coach Nick Hill said: “The lads deserved at least a bonus point from this game, but when you are at this end of the table the bounce of the ball and the 50/50 decisions seem to go against you.”

On Saturday, Clevedon are away at Thornbury.