Great Win for 1sts - Well Done Lads!

In doing so, this excellent team performance also lifted them off the bottom of the Western Counties North table, giving a much-needed boost for the second half of the season.
The match had started sadly as winger Simon Vanstone suffered a serious shoulder injury inside the first few minutes which led to an ambulance being called to take him to hospital. But Avon soon shook off this early setback with an excellent try.
Quick lineout ball from skipper Scott Book was moved through midfield where Kane Book sucked in the visitors’ defence before swift recycling saw the backs smoothly move the ball wide to Glen Atherton who sped down the touchline and regathered his deft chip ahead to touch down in the corner.
As Avon started to show more cohesion and continuity, their forwards shunted the opposition back and they created further opportunities with Lucas Pratt and JJ Pulvertaft proving very lively in the loose. With Nick Tribe calling the shots at scrum half, their second try eventually followed as Zak Harwood powered through the middle with Rob Fitch slotting the conversion.
Whitehall responded strongly but outstanding Avon defence kept them at bay, with Xander Davis and Ian Burnell leading the forward battle, whilst Stu Dilloway, Fitch and Harwood proved impenetrable in midfield. Having soaked up the pressure, Avon exploited turnover ball inside their own 22 and counter-attacked up the blindside for James Leeming to scorch through for their third try.
Fitch again converted to give Avon a healthy 19-0 lead at half time but Whitehall upped their game after the break and Avon lost 2 players to the sin bin through technical offences. The remaining 13 players performed heroics in shutting out the visitors’ attacks and, once back to their full complement, extended their lead with a Fitch penalty.
Whitehall had a player sent off after two yellow card offences and Avon took full advantage as a massive scrum allowed Pratt to drive over for their bonus-point try. Fitch again converted but, deep into injury time, Whitehall scored a consolation try to end the match.
Afterwards coach Kai Harwood said “We introduced a different approach tactically and tried a few positional changes which paid off. I must pay credit though to the entire squad who have maintained their spirits and work rate in training through a difficult start to the season.”
Avon 2nds were awarded the points after scheduled opponents Old Bristolians conceded the game as they couldn’t raise a side. Next week they host Oldfield 3rds, whilst Avon 1sts entertain Avonmouth at Hicks Field.