CLEVE took on two of the other early pace-setters in rugby’s Regional 2 Severn division on successive weekends.
Their trip to Trowbridge was the first for many years, save for a pre-season friendly a couple of years ago.
Both sides went into the match with a 100% record and filled the top two places, with the Mangotsfield team in the top spot, despite only being promoted into the Severn league this season.
An early try from Trowbridge flanker Ben Mallett was converted by Tom Weaver before Cleve No 8 Matt Lane ran in from the 10 metre line to narrow the score to 7-5.
With both sides’ forwards totally committed, the defences held firm and it required some special skill to break them down.
This happened when Trowbridge scrum half Ali Lane and centre Sam Harrison combined well before releasing left wing Alex Christopher, who sped over to score a try.
Again Cleve responded and Matthew Lane scored a second try, converted by fly half Archie Stapleton. Cleve edged ahead with a Stapleton penalty to put Trowbridge in arrears for the first time this season, but soon after the hosts levelled with a Weaver penalty.
In the second half Trowbridge pulled ahead, finishing strongly to inflict Cleve’s first defeat of the season, 46-20.
Cleve then took on another unbeaten side, Chippenham, at the Hayfields and this time it was their turn to spoil a perfect record, winning another high-scoring game 56-40.
The win left Cleve in third place after five games, behind Chippenham and Trowbridge, as they underlined their credentials as serious contenders.
Before the Trowbridge match one of the oldest rivalries in local rugby was renewed when Cleve hosted Thornbury.
Despite being forced to make five changes due to injuries and unavailability, the home side produced a commanding performance from start to finish, winning 47-12.
Cleve flew out of the blocks, establishing a 19–0 lead by half-time.
Inside centre Archie Walker opened the scoring, followed by a powerful effort from Louis Morgan, who crashed over from a catch-and-drive. The backs then showed their flair as Henry Williams finished a sweeping move orchestrated by fly-half Matt Jarvis, who also landed two conversions to extend the advantage.
After the break, Cleve continued to dominate, with both forwards and backs combining seamlessly. The pack asserted their control, reflected in tries from second-row Matt Lynch and front-row duo Luke Moorhead and Steve Bush. Fly-half Matt Jarvis capped a superb individual display, scoring a try of his own and adding all four second-half conversions.
Jarvis finished the match with six successful kicks from seven attempts. His composure and creativity ensured Cleve never looked troubled.