CINDERFORD II brought a strong team to the Hayfields, a tribute to the reputation Cleve are now forging in this league.
It was no surprise that the visitors started well, keeping Cleve pinned in their 22.
The deadlock lasted for the first ten minutes, until Matthew Jarvis unlocked the situation by some great game management, kicking Cleve into a position close to Cinderford’s line.
A catch and drive saw the forwards drive over and score, with the try converted for 7-0.
Cinderford then went on the offensive and moved the ball close to Cleve’s line.
Cleve were putting in a great deal of effort to drive the ball forward. Tom Pool made a decisive break that ended up with a telling pass to Josh Davies, who went over the try line for 14-0.
Cinderford again responded but Cleve hit the rucks hard, with the two second rows Rich Bullough and Will Callaghan putting some real effort into halting Cinderford’s advance.
In fact, Will got hold of the ball and made a great break. The ball was moved wide and the winger scored.
Matthew Jarvis continued to be Mr Reliable with his kicking duties, again not missing at all as Cleve went 21-0 up.
The start of the second half saw Cinderford again mount a challenge on Cleve’s line.
The game was being played on the Second team pitch. It was a lot muddier and didn’t have the width of the first team pitch.
A veteran player in the crowd said: “This is like old time rugby, everyone is getting muddy!”
Jarvis made another fine break that led to a ruck, which eventually put second row Rich Bullough in under the posts.
Cleve were now beginning to enjoy themselves. Jarvis used a penalty to put Cleve in the corner. After some accurate passing in the backs, Pool made an outrageous dummy that allowed him to score, with the try again converted to make the final score 35-0.
The game featured some milestones, with Louis Morgan playing his 99th game for this team and Will Callaghan playing 50 times.
Cleve have started the second half of the season with the same good feelings the club had at the end of 2024, chalking up their 13th straight win in the league, following a 68-22 win over Bridgwater & Albion and a 63-5 defeat of Chosen Hill Former Pupils.
The second team also started 2025 well, winning 67-0 against Whitehall.
In December, Cleve’s youngsters were flag bearers at Bristol Bears’ Champions Cup clash with Leinster at Ashton Gate as part of the Club Connexion programme.
Steve Bateman