Clubs take too much, they get battered (3)
I believe the answer is:
cod
'they get battered' is the definition.
The definition suggests an adverb but the answer is an adverb.
'clubs take too much' is the wordplay.
'clubs' becomes 'c' (abbreviation used in card games such as bridge).
'take too much' becomes 'OD' (overdose).
'c'+'od'='COD'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for cod that I've seen before include "Play joke on" , "A white fish" , "A fish; a hoax, parody" , "A foolish sort of a fish" , "Payment arrangement" .)