After an even first 15 minutes, Avonmouth took the lead with a converted try after their scrum half found a gap in midfield to touch down under the posts. Although missing two of their regular front row, Avon’s pack knuckled down to their task against heavier opponents with their two 18 year old second rows, Xander Davis and Sam Wykes, impressing in the loose and tight forward exchanges.
Great defence in the face of massive Avonmouth pressure from their huge pack denied the visitors with Alex Gapper, Zak Harwood and Lucas Pratt putting in some excellent performances in adversity. Soon Avon began to turn the tables and were rewarded with two penalties from Rob Fitch to close the gap to a single point. A sharp break from skipper Scott Book, who had an inspirational game, almost put Dan Griffin clear but Avonmouth responded before half time with a well-worked attack to create another try in the corner.
The next score was crucial and Avonmouth capitalised as their pack sucked in the defence before their speedy winger created an overlap for a try in the opposite corner. With 35 minutes left to play, honours remained even as both sides sought the advantage but were repelled by cast-iron defences. Avon’s offloading game almost produced results as soft hands from Kane Book and promptings from Stu Dilloway almost created decisive openings. Then, the final 3 minutes saw Avonmouth seal the result with a short range try from a series of forward drives, followed by a chip ahead from the restart to collect their final try.
Avon now enjoy a 3 week break until they travel to Bristol Saracens on 7th January.