Head coach Nick George insists Clevedon will be in a “better position” when they travel to Winscombe on Saturday in their second Tribute Western Counties North match of the season.

North Somerset Times: Clevedon RFC's Edd Ryder-Smith carries from the base of the scrum at Cleve.Clevedon RFC's Edd Ryder-Smith carries from the base of the scrum at Cleve. (Image: Kev Weaver)

Clevedon fell to defeat last time out at Cleve while Saturday’s opponents ran out 45-7 winners in a comfortable display at Avonmouth Old Boys.

This will be the first meeting between the two sides since November 23, 2019 when Winscombe edged to a 20-15 victory.

North Somerset Times: Clevedon RFC's Ethan Thomas passes to Will Carpenter during their game with Cleve.Clevedon RFC's Ethan Thomas passes to Will Carpenter during their game with Cleve. (Image: Hugh Childs)

However, despite Clevedon’s loss last Saturday George was left feeling hopeful about their match this weekend and believes his side can bounce back and pick up their first win of the season.

“They had a pretty good result in their opening game against Avonmouth so we will have another tough game. Again it’s away, so two away games on the bounce but we have a lot we can work on this week in training from the game last weekend,” he said.

"We learnt a lot last weekend and hopefully we will have some new ideas and things we can work on this week so we can be in an even better position next Saturday to go and challenge Winscombe.

“Winscombe are a good, well-run club, and have got a pretty settled group of players that are permitted there and they have got a regular team.

“They will be organised, they know each other, they will be a good strong side in our league that will be a challenge for us. We just need to try and play to our strengths and our game plan and hopefully things will work out for us on Saturday.”

North Somerset Times: Scrum time during Clevedon RFC's match with Cleve.Scrum time during Clevedon RFC's match with Cleve. (Image: Kev Weaver)

Clevedon’s match at Cleve was their first game since March 14, 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Despite a second-half try from Oli Jones, and with three colts making their debut, it was the hosts who came away with victory.

North Somerset Times: Clevedon RFC's Mason Parslow on the attack at Cleve.Clevedon RFC's Mason Parslow on the attack at Cleve. (Image: Kev Weaver)

“Cleve are a good side. They got relegated from the South West One in the middle of Covid so we knew we were going to have a tough game against them and it was a tough opening fixture, especially away. But I think the boys actually did a really good job,” George added.

“We had a lot of younger players within the squad and a couple of guys who were new to us. It was positive they stepped up and took on the challenge. Even though it didn’t go our way we were still competitive and the game was positive against a tough Cleve side.

"It was a good feeling, it’s been a really long time without rugby for everybody. For everyone involved with the club it was just good to see some competitive rugby back out there with guys having the Clevedon shirt on. It was really, really good."