Longlevens RFC

After last week’s disappointing loss away at Midsomer Norton the Longlevens squad were keen to put things right and get back on track. The defeat was definitely a wake-up call as the players put in one of the best first half displays seen for a long time, outplaying fellow table toppers Nailsea in every department.

The Griffins started the game with pace and power, centres Tom Griffiths and Kory Holman-Jones regularly getting over the gain line alongside the forwards. The first score on the board was a Brad Wilkins penalty, closely followed by the first try. The forwards set up a good catch and drive line out 5m out from the Nailsea line, but were stopped just short. They recycled the ball to 10 Jack Beck, who cut a good line back inside to bump several tackles to go over, converted by Wilkins, 10-0.

Scores came at regular intervals during the first half with Levens dominating every aspect of play. The second try came from Steve Philips after some good build up play. The ball was spun wide left for Jake Fox to make good ground up the touchline. The forwards then took over, with the front row making good inroads utilising the pick and go. Philips then used his considerable bulk to power over, unconverted, 15-0.

The next score came from the ever-improving Fox, who is showing great pace and the ability to go round his opposite number. The forwards set up another good catch and drive in the Levens half, moving a good 15m up the left-hand side. Once the maul came to a standstill Wilkins moved the ball blind to Fox who sprinted on to the ball and turned his man inside out to go clear for a converted score, 22-0.

The bonus point was wrapped up on the half hour with a well worked try from the loose forwards. A line out was won against the head on the right-hand side and the ball moved to Mark Hancock. He tipped the ball on well to Jed Holman-Jones who cut a great line down the middle where he was able to offload to the oncoming Jack Cuthbert. He broke three tackles before going under the posts for another converted score, 29-0.

There was still time for a fifth before half time, and again it was the forwards who provided the hard work. Cam Jones was accurate all day with the line out throw and this occasion was no different, throwing to the middle to set up a drive. The ball was worked to the back and it was Jones himself who was on hand to dot down for another converted try, 36-0 at half time.

The team talk was simple, don’t let up and turn the screw, an 80-minute performance was needed.

To Nailsea’s credit they didn’t allow The Griffins to continue the dominance they’d shown in the first half and managed to get themselves back into the game. They started the half with purpose and after 10 minutes of good possession they used their forwards well to score with a short-range pick and go. Levens were then hampered by a yellow card for Josh Lyons but still managed to get another score. The ball was worked from left to right which stretched the Nailsea defence, allowing Griffiths to hit a good line and power his way through for a converted score, 43-5.

Nailsea fought back with another score, going over wide left to give themselves a small chance of a fightback, but the Griffins defence held firm for the rest of the match. Levens were able to get a final score at the death, meaning they won both halves. Replacement Carlos Jenkins made good ground up he left before offloading to Fox who broke a tackle and sprinted clear for his second, making the final score 50-12.

This was a great response to last week and showed just what the squad are capable of. The front row of Harvey Walsinham, Cam Jones and Dave Edwards were rock solid all day and the back five were excellent in the loose. The backs were direct and hard running, with 10 Jack Beck controlling the game very well. Next week will be another tough match away at Avonmouth.