ON A fine sunny afternoon and a dry pitch both sides played some good running rugby.

ON A fine sunny afternoon and a dry pitch both sides played some good running rugby.

Clevedon started well and dominated the early exchanges and it was not long before they took the lead through a fine individual try by Tom Thie which was converted by Ben Hazeldine.

The Clevedon forwards were on top, especially in the lines-out where Harvey Russell and Ben Chase were outstanding.

Unfortunately Clevedon lost the services of Chase and this disrupted the pack, but they increased their lead with a try from Mike Lowis. Clevedon were so much in the driving seat they should have scored more tries, but only managed one more when some good approach work by Lowis put Dave Rawle in for a try which Hazeldine converted.

Clevedon should have doubled their score but became too casual and sloppy passing gifted St Ives an interception try right on half-time.

St Ives came out with all guns blazing for the second period and hit Clevedon hard and before the visitors knew where they were St Ives had scored two tries, taking the Clevedon pack apart in the process.

There were some baffling decisions by the referee, and both sides had two players yellow carded.

Clevedon, having relaxed, regrouped and took the game to the hosts but with 10 minutes to go St Ives took the lead with a try from a catch and drive at the line-out.

Back came Clevedon and Biggins and Barzotelli were pulled down short of the home side's line.

The final whistle went with Clevedon still on the attack, but this was one that Clevedon let slip away.