Partington impressed by Cleve’s strong defence against students
IN South West Premier, Cleve director of rugby Dave Partington praised his side’s defensive qualities during the 34-0 whitewash of Exeter University at The Hayfields.
Cleve were playing into a strong wind in the first half, yet still turned round with a 5-0 lead, thanks to an unconverted try from centre Barney Goatley.
The wind was behind Cleve in the second half and they took full advantage, adding four more tries through Lachlin Kirk, Neil Evans, Paul Vinicombe and Liam Appleton. Nathan Huntley kicked three conversions and a penalty.
Partington said: “The students tried to spread the ball and attack us in the wide channels, but that their Gloucester-based opponents did not work as our defence was scored two quickfire converted brilliant. There was a period in the tries just before the break, which second half where they had all he ultimately settled the match. ball, but they could not get through In South West One West, Keynus. ” sham had an anxious last ten min
Weston slipped to a 14-10 defeat utes before closing out their game to Drybrook at The Recreation with Lydney at Crown Field. Ground. All the points came in the Keynsham were never behind in first half, with Drybrook’s goalthe game and would have hoped to kicker Dave Ramsey deciding the kick on after reaching half-time tie with his two successful conver19-8 up. sion attempts. Weston had the betA try apiece in the second-half ter of a scoreless second half and saw the score move to 25-15 in were held up over the line three Keynsham’s favour, but Lydney times. pressed hard and scored a con
Marcus Nel got the Seasiders off verted try to make it 25-22. But the the mark with an unconverted try. home side held on to win their sixth Weston made it 10-0 when fullgame of the season. Skipper Jack back Glen Dickson sliced through Weston, Adam Harrison, Tim for their second touchdown. But Coghlan and John Pearce all dotted down for Keynsham, while Sam Challenger added one conversion and a penalty.
Thornbury gave a good account of themselves against leaders Launceston before going down 22-14. Thorns were denied a losing bonus point following a remarkable conversion by Glen Cole, into the wind and from the touchline, with three minutes to go.
The match was switched from Rockhampton Road to Lockleaze Sports Ground when Thornbury’s ground was judged unplayable.
Thornbury were behind 15-0 at the interval, but rallied in the second half to put the would-be champions under all sorts of pressure. Louis Ogilvie and Jonny Saunders both touched down for Thorns, while Jake Wood kicked both conversions.
Hornets’ run of poor form continued with a shock 38-13 defeat to St Ives at The Nest.
The Weston-based side were widely expected to bounce straight back to South West Premier after being relegated in April. But further player departures and a long injury list means that the Hutton Moor side’s main focus will be survival rather than promotion this season.
St Ives made inroads early on to forge an 18-0 lead, before Hornets responded with tries from Danny Bailey and Oscar James, while Jordan Humphris added one conversion. But the visitors scored 20 unanswered points to claim the bonus-point win.