Cleve 29ptsDrybrook 11pts
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Cleve were crowned league champions after this bonus point victory over Drybrook though the final score line did not do justice to the visitor’s battling performance.
Indeed the bonus point try came in the last minute of play and only when a futile attempt to run out of defence led to a dreadful error which Cleve exploited to the full.
Drybrook had the strong cross wind slightly in their favour in the first half and took an early lead with a drop goal through skipper Ben Large.
Within minutes the home side cruised in for a try under the sticks after creating a three man overlap.
Drybrook could not get the quality of possession needed to exploit the wind and play became concentrated in mid field. Both sides were guilty of numerous handling errors on the wet pitch but Drybrook started to make in roads after 30 minutes.
Large was off target with a drop goal attempt but then a good passage of play led to a penalty which scrum half Mitch Baldwin drilled low over the bar.
Baldwin then limped off to be replaced by Tom Treherne and it was Cleve who ended the half on top and a penalty in front of the Drybrook posts extended their lead just before the interval.
Half Time:
Cleve 10pts
Drybrook 6pts
Drybrook started the second half well and managed to keep the ball for a long period but they were met with an equally impressive home defence who allowed them no time or space.
After 10 minutes played Drybrook broke out of their own half and a series of quick tap penalties led to a move involving Treherne and Large that almost brought a score. Cleve then showed why they are top of the table with a sustained period of pressure involving several deft off loads which created space out wide for an excellent try.
Drybrook responded positively and were soon back in it when an adventurous break from winger Cameron Roberts took play right up to the home line. Quick recycling and good support led to Large forcing his way over for a try.
At 11pts- 15pts Drybrook were still very much in it at this stage but with 10 minutes remaining Cleve turned to their large pack to turn the screw.
Lots of pressure near Drybrook’s line led to full back Kristian Taft being yellow carded and three scrums later the home side got over the whitewash with a push over try.
Cleve then went all out for the bonus point try but Drybrook’s 14 men held on grimly and had a great attack themselves which only broke down when they chose to kick ahead rather than keeping it in the hands.
Into the last minute Drybrook undid all their hard work when they tried to run out of defence. A wayward pass went to ground and Cleve were able to hack the ball on and win the race for the bonus point touch down.
Drybrook; Kristian Taft, Cameron Roberts, Jack Simmons, Sam Peaper, Ben Large (Capt), Mitch Baldwin, Dean Jelf, Luke Fisher, Elliot White, Will Greenway, Rik Cottrell, Danny Price, Mitch Bourne, Mitch Renton.
Replacements; Tom Treherne, Neil Morgan, Harry Collins.
