More evenly-matched clubs are deprived of runs (6)
I believe the answer is:
closer
'more evenly-matched' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.
'clubs are deprived of runs' is the wordplay.
'clubs' becomes 'c' (abbreviation used in card games such as bridge).
'are deprived of' becomes 'lose' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'runs' becomes 'r' (cricket abbreviation).
'c'+'lose'+'r'='CLOSER'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for closer that I've seen before include "not so remote" , "Stuffier" , "One winds up" , "Nearer or more intimate" , "more precise" .)