Somerset Cup semi-final
Bridgwater & Albion 12, Clevedon 46

BRIDGWATER & Albion came off second best when they travelled to Weston super Mare on a foggy Wednesday evening to meet Clevedon in the semi-final of the Somerset Cup, writes Richard Walsh.

Clevedon, currently second in South West One (West) and challenging for a place in the playoffs, started and ended the game strongly, and four converted second-half tries saw them run out convincing winners.

The Albion started slowly and Clevedon took the lead after seven minutes when Mike Lowis went over for an unconverted try.

The north Somerset side extended their lead when Kieran Hill, son of the former Albion head coach Nick Hill, who is now in charge of Clevedon, kicked a penalty, shortly after which he slotted home second to make it 11-0.

Albion fought their way back bravely and Stuart Heal made a good break, which sadly went unrewarded.

The play then went to the opposite end, where Dean Ashfield scored a try that Hill converted, making the score 18-0 to Clevedon.

Once again Albion came back well, and on the stroke of half time a Lowis clearance was charged down by winger Sam Britton, who went over in the corner for an unconverted try that made the score 18-5 at the interval.

Clevedon started the second half strongly and almost from the kick-off former Albion skipper Ben Purcell scored a try that was converted by Hill.

Soon after, Clevedon took a quick penalty that resulted in Maslen scoring a try, which Hill converted to make it 32-5.

Albion made several changes to their side, one of which saw Simon Ransom come on as a replacement to join his younger brother Matt on the pitch.

Despite being behind, Albion continued to work hard, but their efforts were in vain, as all too often their final pass went adrift and they lost possession.

On 65 minutes Tom Thie, the Clevedon full-back, and another former Albion player made a good break before passing to Tucker, who went over for a try that Hill converted to make it 39-5.

Five minutes later the Albion put together a good move and worked the ball to the right, where replacement James Brakes scored a try which Heal converted.

Clevedon weren’t done yet, though, and just before the end George went over for a try which Hill converted, making the final score 46-12.

The two sides meet again in the league on March 25 at College Way (ko 3pm), when the Albion will be anxious to make amends.

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ALTHOUGH Albion's 1st and 2nd XVs are without a match this weekend, the 3rds are in action away to Wiveliscombe 2nds on Saturday (ko 2.15pm) for a Somerset 2 South match.