Narrow 19-17 Defeat to Old Rivals Wells

An almost perfect start saw Avon retain possession for the first 5 minutes, recycling the ball, offloading in the tackle and threatening the Wells defence. Then their Achilles heel struck as a missed midfield tackle allowed Nathan Anderson to get in behind Avon’s defence and, three quick passes later, winger Matt Trickey touched down in the corner for a try converted by Harry Peters against the run of play.

Avon responded well to level the scores as their scrum started to exert pressure, leading to a quickly taken penalty from Ali Gee who ghosted through for a try. This was converted by Stu Dilloway off the cross bar, who performed admirably in the unfamiliar position of fly half, keeping the back line moving and proving a rock in defence.

With JJ Pulvertaft and Simon Vanstone making inroads, Avon continued to seek openings but turnovers proved costly though as promising positions were thwarted as the ball was stripped for Wells to launch dangerous attacks. They took advantage – and the lead – with a straightforward try from right winger Dave Wheatley, then conjured their third try from another turnover as Adam Withers cut a great line to score at the posts. Peters slotted the conversion for a 19-7 lead at half time.

Playing down the slope after the break, Avon adopted a more pragmatic approach to look after the ball and play close to their strengths up front. This immediately reaped rewards as their pack, with Chaz Meddick and Kane Book at the forefront, advanced downfield and forced 4 successive penalties to pin Wells deep into their own 22. Eventually Avon’s pressure was rewarded as 18 year old Xander Davis, one of 5 youngsters in the side, scored his first try for the seniors after a powerful forward drive.

Although Dilloway’s attempted conversion bounced back off the post, Avon were soon back on the attack and collected their third try after a glorious handling movement involving forwards and backs alike. After the Wells defence was sucked in, Chris Mutlow and Ben Hurd broke up the blind side and found Glen Atherton in support to dot down their third try. At two points adrift and with Avon in the ascendency with 20 minutes to play, it seemed only a matter of time before their long-awaited first win materialised.

Unfortunately lacking a few experienced players, Avon’s game management was not precise enough and they spent too much time camped deep inside their own half as Wells suddenly started to enjoy vital possession and territory. This forced Avon on the defensive with Lucas Pratt, Zak Harwood and Josh Harding-Wyatt all putting in huge shifts to repel the late onslaught. As the tension mounted, both hookers were sent to the sin bin, whilst the Wells prop was given a red card for punching off the ball. This resulted in uncontested scrums which nullified Avon’s advantage up front and the game eventually petered out in an unsatisfactory defeat.

Next week, Avon host fellow strugglers Whitehall at Hicks Field, whilst their 2nds travel to Old Bristolians.