Cleve RFC 19 - 22 Nailsea & Backwell RFC
The Ravens travelled for their first ever fixture against Cleve as the former National League club have played all their rugby at a higher level.
Cleve started the better with a good try stretching the Raven defence. The Ravens responded immediately when a Charlie Cox break was finished by Mike Frohlich and converted by Alex Jones.
Penalties were being conceded by the Ravens which gave Cleve field position and after a good maul, Centre Joe Hall went in for a converted try 14-7. Before the half time break Nailsea managed a period of pressure which resulted in a yellow card for Cleve. Ryan Barrow then finished off a strong maul drive from 5m out.
At half time the Ravens spoke about being a bit quicker to the breakdown and imposing themselves more defensively.
Ryan Barrow added his second try which made the score 14 -17. The line breaks from the backs appeared to be the difference between the sides as Joe Collins, Lewis Adams-Hoon and man of the match Charlie Bircham-Davies continued to find space and it was Bircham-Davies who got the Ravens’ bonus point try.
With the win in the bag and the last play of the game, a mix up in the Ravens communication meant that Cleve managed a losing bonus point try to make the final score 19-22.
Next Saturday is Pink Ladies Day, raising money for Breast Cancer charity BUST where the 1st team will play Burnham.
