Tough Start Continues

Although Yatton played an attractive wide game, in reality Avon were the architects of their own downfall as too many missed tackles allowed their visitors to make devastating breaks and build up their confidence. This resulted in a 28 nil deficit with 4 converted tries at regular intervals during the first half.

Avon had threatened spasmodically but conceded too many penalties and turnovers to maintain any concerted pressure. An early run from Chris Mutlow briefly threatened the line and a tremendous break from Glen Atherton gave replacement Harry Harwood a great opportunity to celebrate his birthday with a try but he was hauled down just short. Avon did reduce the deficit with a try from a line out drive from Ben Hurd but still had too much to make up at the interval.

Much of the second half was a different story as Avon dominated possession and territory for the next 30 minutes but failed to put the vital finishing touches on the scoreboard. Debutant Lucas Pratt had a storming game off the bench, alongside Chris Sawyer in the back row and Stu Dilloway made a couple of exciting incursions from full back but Yatton’s defence held firm. Powerful centre Zak Harwood gave Avon a glimmer of hope with their second try to cut the margin to 28-10 with 15 minutes remaining but Avon’s Achilles heel was exposed again.

Yatton suddenly threw off the shackles to again exploit some slipshod tackling to score another three sweeping tries, all of which were converted to clock up a commanding victory.

Avon 2nds collected 5 league points by default as Old Edwardians forfeited their scheduled match in Somerset 3 North. A hastily-arranged friendly gave their players a useful run out against Bath University social team although, more precisely, they were given the run around by a very fast and fit students team in an entertaining end-to-end match.

Next week, Avon 1sts travel to Coney Hill whilst the 2nds are away to Bristol Telephones.

Meanwhile Avon were pleased that their young 2nd row forward Xander Davis made his debut for Somerset Under 18s against Berkshire on Sunday, with Sam Wykes and Callum Smillie also in the Somerset squad.