In a frantic first quarter, both teams attacked feverishly but good defence restricted the scoring to a single Rob Fitch penalty to give Avon the lead. Ironically, Matson made light of their numerical disadvantage after losing a player to the sin bin for stamping, as their dangerous inside centre made a half break to pop up the try scoring pass.

Although missing several influential players through injury up front, the Avon pack responded strongly with Chaz Meddick leading several charges in the unfamiliar number 8 position to celebrate his birthday. A series of close quarter drives moved Avon upfield but they lacked the cutting edge to make the vital breakthrough, leaving the half time score 3-5.

From the restart, Avon's injury problems increased as stand-in skipper Scott Book suffered a head injury from an over-vigorous Matson clear out at a ruck. His absence reduced Avon's line out options and allowed the visitors more leeway in the loose exchanges.

Avon then retook the lead with another Fitch penalty but were guilty of trying to play too much rugby from too deep around their own 22. A weaving midfield break from Zak Harwood provided some welcome relief before the Matson centre cut an excellent inside line to split the defence to make a lateral pass for a second converted try.

Their elusive runners started to threaten further and, after Sam Book took a second strike against the head, a loose kick ahead was fielded by the visitors full back who ghosted through half the Avon team for a wonderful individual try.

Although Avon responded with some fluid handling and support play to finish strongly deep inside the Matson half, it was a case of too little too late.

Avon 2nds opened their account for the season with an enjoyable 50-17 win against Old Edwardians. Despite going behind to two early OE tries, Avon produced a scintillating second half display running in 8 tries through Greg Hammer (2), Ben Harding-Wyatt (2), Dave Rutter, Dan Mutlow, Chris Eames and Harry Harwood. John Gould added 5 conversions.

Avon 1sts have a break from league action next Saturday but the 2nds are at home to Keynsham.