37-23 Win Moves Avon to 3rd Place

Already lacking 4 regulars up front, Avon's injury woes were compounded when they lost young full back James Leeming with a muscle strain during the warm up. Then Barts took an early lead from a scrum penalty before Avon responded strongly with scrum half Ollie Flight finishing off a powerful line out drive for a try in the corner, converted from the touchline by Rob Fitch.

Avon's nemesis in failing to deal effectively with restarts struck immediately as Barts stole a turnover and moved the ball wide to their full back who cut an excellent line for a try to retake the lead.

With teenage lock Adam Hinchcliffe-Walz showing up well, Avon were denied a try as Zak Harwood was adjudged to have put a foot in touch after a storming run to the try line. Shortly after, they made no mistake as a multi phased attack stretched the visitors' defence before Nick Tribe danced over for a try, again converted by Fitch.

Barts reduced the deficit with a penalty before Fitch negated this with another penalty as Avon's scrum started to gain the upper hand through the pressure exerted from props Kane Book and Chas Meddick. Then, as half time approached, man of the match Chris Sawyer capped an excellent performance with their third try.

Fitch converted for a 24-11 lead at the interval but Avon failed to take their chances after the break, allowing Barts to claw their way back into the game with a converted try. Although Avon lost Ian Burnell through injury, a great run from Stu Dilloway took Avon back deep inside Barts territory where Flight spotted a gap to sneak through for his second try.

Great handling and support play, involving replacement Chris Hurd and stand-in skipper Scott Book, then launched a sweeping handling movement which ended with veteran Damo Sawyer touching down Avon's 5th try in the corner.

Although the Barts centre was red-carded in a moment of madness towards the end, they struck back with a flowing counter attack for a consolation try before Avon closed out the game with a final penalty from Fitch.

Next week, Avon take their unbeaten record to face a tough challenge at Bristol Harlequins.