Clevedon 35 Minehead 32
20th January 2025
A cracking game Grommit!
For the large majority of the first half, Clevedon were in Minehead's half, wracking up 28 points in the process. They allowed Minehead just two visits into their half, which gave the visitors 10 points for a half time score of 28-10.
The second half was a complete mirror of the first as Minehead scored 22 unanswered points. It wasn't until the final two minutes of the match that Clevedon trundled over a close range scrum for the winning score. Cue mayhem!
To most observers it looked like Clevedon had chucked away an 18 point first half lead and were resigned to discussing how it got away from them. Fortunately, Clevedon found a way out of their mess and were rewarded with a very good win against a very good Minehead side.
This was one of, if not, the best game of the season so far and with third place Avon up next week, Clevedon will look to continue their resilient and defiant attitude on the road.
Clevedon v Minehead
17th January 2025
Something to look forward to...
The Vale will host Minehead Barbarians on Saturday, 18th January for a 14:30 kick off.
Clevedon will have ideas that they need to inflict an away defeat on the visitors after losing so ignominiously earlier in the season.
With the home pitch promising to be in decent nick, after this bout of drying weather, Clevedon will have plenty of home support to urge them on.
Emma's kitchen will be open for a pre-match snack to go with your pre-match pint, so give yourself plenty of time to enjoy both.
See you there.
200 Club Draw
16th January 2025
The winners are...
Please arrange payment of prizes by contacting Cruncher Crane or Jim McVeigh.
R.I.P. Phil Whiteway
16th January 2025
Phil Whiteway a former player has sadly passed away. Phil was a top bloke and I was lucky enough to have played alongside him.
Phil was one of life's chucklers and was a stalwart of the club for a long time, always enjoying the fun and frolics that went on back when.
When we know the date of his funeral, it will be posted here. Please keep checking back for more information.
Rest in peace, Phil.
All Games postponed
7th January 2025
Jack Frost has beaten us all!
The Vale never recovered from last week and remains unplayable, so the second team game is off.
The firsts away game at Midsomer Norton is POSTPONED.
Keep warm everyone.
Clevedon 36 St Bernadettes 5
7th January 2025
A steady home win
With the seconds also at home against Gordano, the first team support was dwarfed by those watching the local derby on pitch 2!
All the noise came from the Gordano supporters. Their team ended convincing winners when Clevedon seconds ran out of replacements and, for a part of the game, played with only 14 men. Nevermind, the youthful and energetic youngsters that were in the side gained valuable local derby experience.
Meanwhile, the firsts dominated territory on pitch 1 to such an extent that it felt like a land grab from the wild west. Despite this first half advantage, Clevedon found it hard work to break down the resolute Bernadette's defence.
Through a series of defensive errors, Clevedon allowed the visitors to get into their 22 and score a very good forwards try just before the break.
The second half saw Clevedon improve their score by 12 points. The whole game was disrupted by yellow cards, which ended at two apiece.
For once, despite the inclement weather, "The Vale" held up and produced a firm and very playable surface. Other games in the league weren't so lucky and were postponed.
The game ended in very dark and gloomy conditions. The refs bright orange shirt being the only colour on view. An hour after the game saw the sleet and snow move in and the walk home after a few celebratory pints was challenging to say the least!
Next week, Clevedon firsts are away to table-toppers Midsomer Norton, in what will be an almighty tussle upon the Mendips. The kick will be at 14:30.
The seconds entertain table-toppers Keynsham seconds at home, for a 14:30 kick off.
Clevedon Lineups
4th January 2025
Bosley starts on the bench
A mistake by the club Instagram operatives has veteran Blaise Bosley in the starting XV against St Bernadettes AND sitting on the bench?. He's good but, and even he would admit it, not that good!
He'll be benching and Alex Giltrow will start. Blaise will no doubt use his experience late on in a 20 minute cameo, which is always worth waiting for.
The sharp eyed amongst you will also notice that Chris Wilson is playing in both games. The truth is out there - get down to The Vale to find out where he will playing.
On pitch 2 (as we've got call it now, by order of Arthur Nichols!) the seconds are hosting Gordano seconds.
Both games kick off at 14:30. See you there.