to South West 2 and Somerset Cup semi-final opponents Clevedon.

On a cold night in Brislington Oldfield took on a strong and well organised Clevedon side under floodlights, at Bristol Harlequins ground.

The referee set his stall out early by blowing early and awarding some controversial penalties to Clevedon, which helped them to race into a 6-0 lead. Salt was rubbed into the Oldfield wounds when a clear knock on from Clevedon went ignored and the score stretched out to 13-0.

Oldfield competed well in the set pieces throughout, but whenever Clevedon produced quick ball they looked dangerous and constantly threatened/crossed the gain line. Manful defence from Boycey (until he got bounced by their winger) and Lils in the centres helped keep the scoreline sensible, but Clevedon turned around with another couple of scores and an unasailable lead. As an aside Boycey's old partner in crime (Smithy) and Quinno were found giggling like schoolgirls about 'the bounce' late into the night. 

At the start of the second half Oldfield fought upfield and a scything break by full back Quinno almost led to a score, but he tripped on a discarded banana skin and fell inches short of the line. Staunts in the boiler room took some great line out ball and he and fellow rower Sean Hawkins were awesome throughout.

In the second half Ollie Hayes left the fray with an injury and Matty Clifton trotted on after cycling down from Manchester, to produce his customary high quality display. In the loose the mahussive prop Sean Jones managed some tasty little rumbles, but the resiliant Clevedon defence stood up to everything that was thrown at them. Injuries also meant that Matty Pierce and Joel Hawkins left the fray, to be more than ably replaced by Greg Stafford and Andy Owen. At least they were injured though, which is more than can be said for Matty Nuttall who spent 10 minutes in the bin for talking to the ref (how very dare you!). Post match match talk in the bar was that Nutty had been seen sneaking down to the nearby Golden Arches for a burger, but Matty, with a ghurkin stook between his teeth vehemently denied this.

The early part of the second half saw Oldfield work hard to gain territory only for a Clevedon kick, or breakout to relieve pressure and peg them back deep in their own half. Boycey spent most of the 2nd half chatting to his opponents, but he did find time to make a great break from which the ball was secured and Andy Wright (I think) crashed over for a try converted by Sumo.

In the last 15 minutes or so Clevedon's intensity dropped and Oldfield played some good rugby, enjoying both territory and possession. Oldfields man of the match Quinno continued to pick great lines and pick holes in the Clevedon defence and as the final whistle beckoned winger Jackie Burns nearly scored himself after a mazey run. Just like his lookalike Fabio in Paris, he got very close, but just came up short of the mark.

Although well beaten by a quality Clevedon side, Oldfield had acquitted themselves well in what was (I think) a 30 something to 7 defeat. 

Our thanks go to Bristol Harlequins for hosting this match and also to Somerset RFU for laying on such a good pre-match buffet that was enjoyed by members of both clubs.