Making the worst possible start when they failed to deal with the kick off, Avon suddenly found themselves 7 points behind inside the opening minutes. They compounded their problems as a long range counter attack resulted in another converted try for Cheltenham to open up a healthy 14 point cushion in the first quarter.

Avon then started to put together some more concerted attacks but were too often undone by unnecessary knock-ons and turnovers. Cheltenham's large forwards caused all sorts of problems in the lineouts, despite the best endeavours of skipper Scott Book. But in the scrums it was a different story as Avon's superior technique gave them the edge, allowing hooker Ben Hurd to take several strikes against the head.

Two monstrous penalties from Rob Fitch reduced the deficit and a magnificent tackle from full back Damien Sawyer stopped another try-scoring opportunity to keep Avon in touch at half time.

Cheltenham extended their lead with a penalty after the break before Avon launched a thrilling comeback, inspired by a man of the match performance in both attack and defence from their young scrum half, Alex Gapper. Soft hands from Kane Book opened up a midfield gap and prop Chris Mutlow made a threatening burst down the right touchline before the ball was swiftly recycled for Fitch to thread a crafty grubber kick to the opposite wing where Dan Mutlow pounced for an excellent try.

With Fitch adding the conversion, followed by a snap drop goal, Avon were suddenly only a single point adrift and right back in the match with 15 minutes to play. Unfortunately, an outstanding piece of opportunistic play from the visitors full back with a quickly taken short penalty saw him cruise through for a try under the posts. This seemed to stun Avon, who then immediately conceded another long range try.

Now chasing the game, Avon produced some of their best rugby with Harry Fuller and Ben Crane threatening before replacement Zak Harwood produced several powerful runs through the midfield on his return from a lengthy injury absence. When Harwood was tackled just short of the try line, Avon quickly moved the ball wide again but a misdirected pass was hacked back downfield for the ball to sit up nicely for a breakaway score.

Showing great character, there was still time for Avon to respond with a consolation try as Gapper fittingly showed great strength to burrow over from short range.

Next week Avon travel to Old Bristolians.