Tribute South West One West Ivybridge 40, Clevedon 10

Newly promoted Ivybridge got their campaign off to a flying start with a comfortable victory over Somerset visitors Clevedon. Ivybridge, who were promoted as champions from Western Counties West after a barnstorming season last time out, were quickly into their groove. A strong all-round performance in the first half saw Ivybridge kicker Matt Grieveson knock over three penalties and a conversion after fleet-footed full-back Tom Scoles went over for Ivy's first try of the season midway through the half. With a comfortable 16-0 lead at the break, any thoughts of early-season nerves about adapting to life in a higher league were long since banished. The second half had barely begun before Grieveson added his fifth kick of the game to extend the Bridge's lead to 19 points, but soon after the floodgates really opened. Reminiscent again of Ivybridge last season, one try brough three as they ripped apart the Clevedon defence to score 21 unanswered points in 15 minutes to lay the game well and truly to rest. First a break by Haydn Coles from his own 22 saw him make good ground before releasing man-of-the-match Alex Hall, who scorched in from 50 metres. More Ivybridge pressure then saw sniping scrum-half Ben Watts go over after taking a quick tap penalty under the posts. He was swiftly followed over the line by George deMendonca after centre Lewis Paterson, in a new role this season as player/coach, showed delightful hands to put the flying back away. The one downside from Ivybridge's point of view was the concession of two late tries, but at least that will give the coaches something to work on after a polished display.