Longlevens finished their league campaign off with a win that secured promotion from Counties 1 Western North. The bonus point victory also kept them in contention for the title should Cinderford slip up against Clifton.
The game was played at Oxtalls Sports Complex as the pitch at Longford Lane was still holding water after all the rain. Due to the availability of the pitch the game kicked off later than usual at 4.30pm, which attracted a large crowd of local rugby fans from different clubs.
The Griffins started the game at pace, the 4G surface allowing fast movement and slick handling. The first try came from expansive play that swooped from right to left. Fly half, James Butler, made a lovely break on the 10-metre line and sliced through the Cleve defence towards the line. Just as he was about to score, he was tackled high, resulting in the ref awarding a penalty try, 7-0.
With their tails up Longlevens went after further scores and the second one was a beauty. A speculative kick through from half way was collected at lightening pace by Jake Fox who went over wide out making the score 12-0.
The forwards then got in on the act and began to show their dominance. From a lineout 10 metres out from the line a drive was executed and Dave Edwards was on hand to dot down, 19-0.
Cleve than got in on the act with a try from their pack. A lineout from five metres out was taken quickly to the middle man before Levens were set and their second row went in unopposed, 19-5.
Longlevens were confident of more scores in the second half but it was Cleve who opened the scoring following a tap penalty close to the line. They eventually went over after much battering making the score 19-12.
The Griffins regrouped and drew penalties from pressure play. The ball was then kicked to the corner with the forwards setting up another drive. This time Jack Cuthbert was the beneficiary, 24-12.
The game then went to sleep for 15 minutes or so and neither side really looked like scoring. An incident in the 66th minute then ensured the game exploded and came to life. Longlevens were forced to play the last 10 minutes with 13 men but still played some great rugby, even managing a fifth try through Bard Wilkins, who intercepted on the 22 to go over, 31-12.
Cleve exploited the gaps in the defence during the last five and managed to bag two tries to make the final score 31-24.
This result ensured the Griffins did all they could to win the league, but gaining promotion was the main target and that was achieved. The players have had a great league campaign and proved that when firing on all cylinders they are the best team in the league.
The attention now turns to the cup, with hopes high of another successful run.
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