Fantastic Team Spirit & Dedication to the Cause

Missing 6 first team regulars and with another 6 squad members also unavailable, Avon had to dig deep and jiggle their resources to muster a side for this always tricky fixture. Yet, by the end, a committed squad performance saw another 5 points banked which moves Avon up to 2nd place in the Counties 2 Somerset league.

Despite the reshuffles, Avon were dominant from the outset with Iain Parris opening the scoring with a strong performance in the unaccustomed position of centre. Jonny Batchelor added the extras.

Minehead responded strongly but were repelled by outstanding defence which closed down their powerful ball carriers. Makeshift fly half Matt Thresher controlled the game well and posed a constant threat with his strong running. This was rewarded as he touched down the second try with Batchelor again slotting the conversion.

The packs were fairly evenly balanced for much of the game with stand-in captain Dan Griffin secure in the line outs and imposing in the loose play. Will Monachino-Ayres celebrated a rare appearance with the next try as Avon built up a healthy 19 nil lead at the interval.

Playing down the slope in the second half, Avon soon added the bonus point try. Playing out of position on the wing, normal flanker Rhys van den Handel looked a natural as he stepped inside to create space before subtly offloading out wide for Batchelor to score in the corner.

Sensing an opportunity with their reorganised opponents, Minehead threw everything into attack but were constantly denied as Avon’s spirit and commitment shone through. The Barbarians did manage to stretch the tiring defence to score a consolation converted try before Avon again took control to close out the game.

Perhaps the epitome of Avon’s dedication to the cause though came with their two replacements due to injuries. Firstly, 43 year old stalwart Damien Sawyer came off the bench to again demonstrate his prowess in the back row. Then, Avon’s eternal director of rugby, Clive Book, showed he still had the appetite and ability to produce an impressive cameo performance on the wing at the tender age of 62. Most fittingly, Clive was unanimously selected as the man-of-the-match to thunderous applause in the post match huddle.

On Saturday, Avon host city neighbours Oldfield at Hicks Field.