CLEVE are champions of the Counties 1 Tribute Western North league after securing the title by one point on the last day of the season.
They had to win at Old Redcliffians II in their final league game in April, and did it in style – but were tested by a very gritty Old Reds team, who tried hard to spoil the party.
Reds started well, playing downhill and were pressing Cleve. During some fierce defending, Cleve went down to 14 players.
Reds worked the corner of the pitch well. After a catch and drive they went over to lead 5-0.
Cleve have responded well all season. The coaching staff have imposed discipline and control into the team.
They went back up the pitch and drove into the Reds’ 22. The ball was moved wide and the backs took it over the line. Archie Staples kicked the conversion, 7 to 5 Cleve. The ground was hard, but this did not stop the Cleve backs putting some great tackles in, led by Theo Garnett who defended well when Cleve were down to 14.
Theo also made a telling break in the centre which led to a lineout. Again Cleve’s experience in these situations enabled them to catch, drive and go over the line to lead 12-5.
For the next 25 minutes the ferocity of Cleve’s tackling drove Reds backwards, with outstanding effort and commitment shown by Harry O’Donnell.
But Reds made it tough and levelled the scores at 12 all, before Staples took advantage of some loose play to go over, converting his own try to close the half.
After the break Cleve got going quickly, Cam Bull scoring after the ball was kicked through and Archie converting again.
Creating pressure, Cleve moved the ball well in the backs and Cam Bull again penetrated the Reds defence and scored to make it 31-12.
But Reds continued to fight hard, and it was no surprise that they scored again, taking control and making it hard for Cleve to get hold of the ball.
The tide turned, however, when Cleve were awarded a scrum on the halfway line.
Will Warman, on as a replacement and playing scrum-half, made a great break, going inside Reds’ fly-half and outpacing the defence to score under the posts.
Staples converted to make the final score 38-19.
The celebrations at the final whistle continued back at the club in Mangotsfield.
The result is a tribute to the team behind the team – committee, coaches and players – a great Cleve family result and effort.
This has been mirrored in the junior section of the club, who have also performed outstandingly this season.
Juniors’ cup win: Page 51
Steve Bateman