Clevedon 8 pts Cullumpton 26 pts - CLEVEDON played into the wind first half, and were soon behind to a penalty goal.

Clevedon 8 pts

Cullumpton 26 pts

CLEVEDON played into the wind first half, and were soon behind to a penalty goal.It was obvious from early on that Cullompton were a well-drilled side, and Clevedon would have their work cut out.

Clevedon took the lead when a dropped ball in mid field was picked up by Owen Biggins to score a try.

Cullompton regained the lead with a second penalty and went further ahead with a try from a rolling maul. Both sides were intent on running the ball, but the visitors increased their lead with another rolling maul try.

Mike Lowis kicked a penalty to keep Clevedon in touch and before the break Clevedon should have scored a second try after good work by the forwards, the ball was moved swiftly along the backs only for the final pass not going to hand with the line begging.

The second half started with Clevedon on the attack. The scrummaging was good but the line-out was a weak point. Cullompton counterattacked after Clevedon lost possession, and aided by poor tackling scored a try wide out.

During the last quarter Clevedon dominated and were encamped on the Cullompton line but the visitors' defence held firm. Again from lost possession Cullompton sprinted away to score a try to put the final nail in the Clevedon coffin.

Clevedon missed the physical presence of Roger Birkin, the pitching of Gary Carpenter, the kicking of Ben Hazeldine, and the tenacity of Ashley Vailes, and did not use the wind to their advantage and were naive in many areas.

On Saturday, Clevedon are away to Hartpury College, coach leaves 11.30am.