Narrow Defeat in Opening Match

In reality, Avon may look back at this result as one that got away as they conjured up several scoring chances but failed to capitalise in the unseasonable stormy conditions.

In reality, Avon may look back at this result as one that got away as they conjured up several scoring chances but failed to capitalise in the unseasonable stormy conditions.

Playing with the wind and featuring a large pack, Cirencester opened the scoring with a straightforward penalty and threatened several times from attacking moves instigated by their dangerous fly half. Avon’s defence was equal to the task in nullifying this threat with some outstanding tackles and great defensive line speed to close down the space.

As they grew in confidence and trying to play a fast open game in the difficult conditions, Avon suddenly took the lead after 30 minutes. Rob Fitch’s thunderous boot created an attacking line out situation and the Avon pack responded with a well-controlled 15 metre drive over the try line for hooker Ben Hurd to emerge with the ball for their first try of the new campaign. They should have increased this lead shortly afterwards after a blindside break featuring Ollie Flight, Chris Mutlow and Hurd just petered out short of the line.

With Chris Sawyer putting in a powerful shift up front and well supported by young locks Adam Hinchcliffe-Walz and Sam Wykes, Avon increased their lead after the break with a Fitch penalty and started to threaten in attack with some powerful runs from Zak Harwood and Stu Dilloway. Another try-scoring chance was spurned due to a forward pass after clever interaction between Flight and Sam Book before the incisive moment occurred as Cirencester brought their 51 year old director of rugby Andy Deacon into the fray.

The entrance of the ex-Gloucester prop lifted his team and gave them a clearer sense of direction, being immediately rewarded with a successful penalty to reduce the deficit. 5 minutes later, after a quickly-taken tap penalty and several close quarter drives, the Cirencester pack surged over the line for a converted try to take the lead.

Chasing the game, Avon worked hard upfield to earn two short range lineouts but both were spoiled, leaving Avon to once again have to attack from deep. A wonderful flowing move from deep inside their own half moved the ball swiftly into the home 22 before desperate defence closed down the threat to conclude a closely contested match.

Despite 16 unavailable players, Avon 2nds staged a friendly against Colerne 1sts and managed to raise a full side. Although they went down to a 21 nil defeat, they enjoyed an entertaining game despite the awful conditions.