Avon Edged Out in Gloucester

The outcome was actually decided inside the first 15 minutes as Avon failed to take advantage of several scoring positions when camped inside the home 22. Playing down the slope and with their pack driving forward, they allowed Chosen Hill to escape with only a penalty from Rob Fitch to show for their early dominance.

With Chaz Meddick leading from the front before setting off on his travels down under and well supported by JJ Pulvertaft and Adam Hinchcliffe-Walz in the engine room, Avon enjoyed a steady supply of possession but were undone by the greasy ball and muddy conditions. Dan Griffin, Alex Gapper and Sam Book showed up well in attack but Avon couldn't break down a stubborn defence, leaving them only 3 nil up at half time.

With Scott Book coming off the bench, Avon's lineout possession improved but their task was immediately made clear as Chosen Hill slotted an early penalty to level the scores. Every time Avon worked their way upfield into a promising position, they either spilled the ball or were penalised, allowing the home team to clear their lines with lengthy relieving kicks.

Further injuries caused another reshuffle as Ian Burnell, Sam Book and Ollie Flight were all forced to leave the field and the home fly half took advantage of some poor midfield defence to ghost through for a try to take a decisive lead.

Avon were not allowed to develop their usual driving play or adapt to the interpretation of the laws around rolling mauls so could not create any clear cut scoring chances in the second half. They were simply restricted to a missed penalty chance and, in fact, were grateful that Chosen also failed to land a straightforward penalty near the end that would have taken away the losing bonus point.

Avon have a rest weekend next week and will be hoping that some of their injured contingent are back in contention for their next match at home to Cheltenham on 5th March.

After being 24-5 down at half time, Avon 2nds showed admirable spirit to share the second half before eventually succumbing 29-10 to Keynsham 4ths.