Useful pre season hit out with Devizes

With over 30 players seeking to impress over four 20 minutes sessions, this provided both sides with a competitive and physical workout in a live playing environment.

Avon have strengthened their squad by recruiting prop Chas Meddick from Dings Crusaders and utility back Nick Tribe from Chosen Hill. They have also signed up promising youngsters Alex Gapper, James Leeming, Charlie Harland, Matt Thresher and Peter Watts to bolster their squad resources.

The first quarter saw Devizes dominate possession and territory during the opening stages which gave Avon ample opportunity to demonstrate their cast iron defence. Then Avon showed their attacking capabilities as a quick fire breakout resulted in predatory hooker Ben Hurd scoring their opening try. Shortly afterwards skipper Kai Harwood opened his account with their second try after good interpassing amongst the pack.

With Rob Fitch slotting the conversions, Avon held a 14 nil lead before changing their entire team for the second quarter. Their second team squad replacements began soundly with impressive close quarter driving play from the forwards, although they had few chances out wide. Devizes reduced the deficit with a well crafted try from Matty Holloran before the half time break.

As Avon reintroduced their first team squad for the 3rd quarter, their powerful pack started to dominate proceedings and it was no surprise when Harwood added his second try from a short range scrum. As their confidence grew, the backs posed further questions out wide and quickly recycled ball was moved smoothly along the line for Damien Sawyer to score in the corner for a commanding lead.

Further wholesale changes for the last quarter saw Avon's second string on the defensive against their opponents quicksilver three quarters who ran in 3 tries through Chris Barter (2) and Ali Broughton to level the scores. Avon counter attacked strongly and turned down two kickable penalties in front of the posts in search of the decisive try only for Seb Hutchings to score at the other end with the last move of the match.

This Thursday 28th August, Avon have another friendly session against city neighbours Oldfield before their opening league match at local rivals Stotherts on 6th September. Meanwhile coaching sessions continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Hicks Field with any new players welcome to attend.