CLEVE started their season in the Counties 1 Tribute Western North division with a thumping 50-21 win over Old Redcliffians II at the Hayfields.
The day started with a sponsors, injured players and members’ lunch attended by one of the oldest Cleve members, 92-year-old Mel Thomas, who was an ex-Chase School master and Cleve mentor for many players in the 60s and 70s.
The main course, however, was Cleve versus Old Reds.
Reds kicked off and immediately started to pressure Cleve’s line. Cleve were on the defensive and gave away penalties, with Reds taking a 14-0 lead, the second try following a counter attack and a 50-yard run in.
The setback appeared to motivate Cleve, who started moving the ball wide efficiently, and Theo Garnett put the ball down in the corner for an unconverted try.
Cleve had several senior players in their pack, and they began to bring their experience to bear. Harry Casson made some good drives and Neil ‘Chuckie’ Evans recycled the ball well.
The pressure on Reds’ line led to a penalty, which Matt Jarvis despatched to the corner. The catch and drive worked well and over went the forwards to score, with Jarvis adding the conversion to make it 12-14.
Cleve were now moving the ball well. Another good drive by Harry Casson had the winger picked up to score, with Jarvis again converting to put Cleve ahead 19-14.
Cleve did not allow Reds back into the game. After another penalty, good movement of the ball saw Arthur Davis score in the corner to make it 29-14.
Again, Cleve exposed Reds on the wings. Some good passing put Andy Priddle in under the posts. The game was now dominated by Cleve. A ruck close to the line produce some good ball for Cam Bull to go over.
In the last 20 minutes Cleve pinned Reds down in their 22. The forwards bullied their way over and a conversion was made to make it 50-14 before, against the run of play, Reds went through the middle of the defence and scored under the posts to make the final Score 50-21.
Cleve seconds were also successful in their home game versus Bristol Barbarians.
After the first half ended 0-0, the second half saw an avalanche of points for Cleve, who won 47-0.
Several Junior teams were also in action against Old Reds.
The day was a great start to the season involving all at the club.
Steve Bateman