Our Under 15's Rise to the Cleve Challenge in Style
Yate/Whitehall/Quins 32–17 Cleve
By Rugby Riley 🏉
There are some matches where the final score tells the story.
And then there are matches where the way a team comes together tells an even bigger one.
This was certainly one of those.
The Yate/Whitehall/Quins lads came into their first real test of the season knowing exactly what was waiting for them. Cleve are a hugely respected rugby club, with a powerful pack, fast backs and an intensity that makes them a serious challenge for any side.
And, if we're honest, there were nerves.
The two sides have had some really close encounters over the years, with our boys having narrowly missed out previously. After all the hard work put in during pre-season, the question was simple: would it all be worth it?
By full-time, I think we had our answer.
Absolutely.
A First Half of Learning
The first half was a real battle.
Cleve brought exactly what everyone expected — intensity, physicality and plenty of pressure. Yate/Whitehall/Quins found themselves playing Cleve's rugby rather than their own, and while the lads worked incredibly hard, they weren't quite playing with the freedom and confidence they know they have.
But they were still right in the contest.
10–10 at half-time.
And that gave the team a chance to reset.
The message was simple:
If we're going to win, let's do it our way. And if we're going to lose, let's do it our way.
That was the turning point.
Then They Found Their Game
The second half was a different story.
The lads started playing their rugby. They trusted the work they've put in during pre-season, trusted each other and, perhaps most importantly, started believing in themselves.
The forwards were outstanding in the way they carried the ball and drew in defenders. Every strong carry brought more Cleve players into the defensive line, creating the space for the backs to attack.
And when the forwards and backs started working together, Yate/Whitehall/Quins really came alive.
The fitness that had been built throughout pre-season began to show too. As the game went on, the team continued to play with energy and purpose, eventually pulling away to secure a fantastic 37–17 victory.
Tom's Carries Were Something Else
There were plenty of outstanding performances, but one player deserves a particular mention.
Tom.
His ball carrying was, quite frankly, immense.
Time and time again, Tom became the go-to target, taking the ball into contact and dragging two or three Cleve forwards towards him. That didn't just make yards — it created opportunities.
By sucking in defenders, Tom was helping manufacture the space for the backs to exploit.
It was powerful, selfless and hugely effective rugby.
But while Tom's carries stood out, the biggest performance of the day came from the whole team.
The passion. The desire. The support for one another.
That was what made this win so special.
One Team
If there was one word that summed up the performance, it would be togetherness.
The lads didn't just play alongside each other. They played for each other.
Whether it was a carry, a tackle, a support run or simply encouraging a teammate, the feeling of one team was there throughout.
And that's exactly what you want to see from a group that has worked so hard together.
Huge Respect for Cleve
Credit must also go to Cleve.
They were everything we expected: big forwards, fast backs, high intensity and incredible energy.
Their togetherness was outstanding, and they provided exactly the kind of challenge this Yate/Whitehall/Quins side needed.
It was a proper test of the team's character and rugby, and Cleve played their part in making it such a memorable match.
There's a lot of mutual respect between these clubs, and after another fantastic contest, that respect has only grown.
Believe in Yourselves
So, what do the lads take into training this week?
Quite simply: believe in yourselves.
They have put the work in.
They have the fitness.
They have the skills.
They have the structure.
And, as the second half against Cleve showed, when they trust themselves and play their rugby, this is a team capable of producing something special.
The next step is to find that belief from the first whistle.
Because if they can do that, there's plenty more to come from this group.
Togetherness. Grit. Determination.
And one very impressive 37–17 win. 💙💛🏉
The work rate of Tait throughout the match earned him Back of the match
Captain player of the match for great work rate on the pitch, side line support and a try saving tackle in the last secs of the game, well done Xander
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