Hartpury College 53 pts Clevedon 8 pts - THIS was an eye opener for the Clevedon boys.

Hartpury College 53 pts

Clevedon 8 pts

THIS was an eye opener for the Clevedon boys. The opposition were big, fast and fit, but Clevedon did not let themselves down and despite the score line played well.

Clevedon were missing key players who were hard to replace and Hartpury took an early lead with a converted try from a rolling maul, but Clevedon hit back when Joe Kaniecki intercepted and ran 50 metres to score a try.

They then took the lead with a well struck penalty by Ben Hazeldine, which they held for 20 minutes.

From turnover ball a cross kick by the students saw them score a converted try and before half time they scored two more tries one being converted while Clevedon were down to 14 men due to a sin binning. Hartpury led 26-8 at the break, but Clevedon had played well and although the hosts scored four tries Clevedon's tackling was good.

Hartpury's bigger forwards were effective with the rolling maul and scored two more tries from such drives. They ran the ball at regular intervals and it was sheer speed that brought them three more tries, one being converted.

The midfield of Mike Lowis and Tom O'Rourke played well, while the forwards contested everything. If Clevedon can continue to play with heart like they did against this opposition, their spirit will provide their fans with some good performances and stay in the top half of the table.

Next Saturday, they are home to Ivybridge, kick-off 2.30pm.