Tribute South West One West

Clevedon 19 Thornbury 25

THORNBURY returned from Clevedon with maximum points from an abrasive game which consolidates their fourth place in the table.

Louis Ogilvie scored a try in each half but poor discipline kept Clevedon in the game.

Two players were sin-binned and Thornbury skipper Liam Pemberton was sent-off midway through the second-half.

The early stages were even then a quickly-taken kick saw Clevedon take the lead with a converted try. A penalty shortly afterwards opened up an early 10-0 lead for the Somerset side.

Thornbury began to crank up the intensity of their play and James Wood stretched over for an unconverted try from a driving lineout.

Thornbury continued to pile on pressure in the Clevedon ‘22’. Then Clevedon quickly took a penalty on their line and hoisted a cross-kick. Ogilvie caught the ball, handed off one Clevedon player then showed great pace to beat three others and score a terrific individual try between the posts. Bob Adams converted to put Thornbury 12-10 ahead.

Close to half-time, Sam Evans was sin binned and Clevedon kicked two penalties. Adams kicked one for Thornbury but Clevedon led 16-15 at the break.

That lead was extended with a fourth penalty early in the second half, but Thorns regained the advantage shortly afterwards.

Harry Glew took a penalty quickly, linked with Jak Evans and Jack Hussey and was on hand to take the return pass inside and score. The conversion missed but Thornbury were ahead 20-19.

Rob Higgitt and Pemberton were close to scoring before the match looked to turn from Thornbury when Pemberton was sent off for retaliation. However, Clevedon didn’t enjoy the man advantage for long as their wing was sent- off for dissent a few minutes later.

In the final quarter, Thorns attacked from a scrum and Ogilvie skinned his opponent to score in the corner. The bonus point in the bag, the extras couldn’t be added but at 25-19 Clevedon were still within a converted try of the lead.

Thorns were close to scoring again before Clevedon launched a grandstand finish. Outstanding defence kept them out – just. Twice, Clevedon were held up over the line then Higgitt was yellow carded but poor handling gave Thorns the chance to clear and, with great relief, play returned to the Clevedon half where Thorns made sure the home side couldn’t break out and held on for victory.

It had been a fine win. The defence was significantly tighter than of late, and it had to be as Clevedon gave Thorns a torrid afternoon. Thornbury’s discipline was poor at times and many penalties were conceded. Nevertheless, a deserved win and four tries to one tells a story.

Ogilvie had a fine afternoon, took his tries with aplomb and tackled well. Sam Poustie had an impressive game and there were good carries from James Wood and Sam Evans. It had been a physical game, and Thornbury know it will be the same again on Saturday for the arrival of Newent, kick off 3pm.