Losing Bonus Point Proves Small Consolation

In the end though, Avon had to settle for a losing bonus point as Chosen Hill closed out a 17-11 win. Once again, Avon were their own worst enemies as they conceded unwarranted tries at either end of the first half that proved crucial at the final whistle.

A missed Avon penalty to touch in the first minute meant that, instead of an attacking lineout in the visitors 22, play swept downfield as Chosen worked a simple overlap for their winger to cross in the opposite corner for an unconverted try. Avon responded well to this setback with a series of monstrous scrums, led by an outstanding performance from Chaz Meddick. They soon gained their reward as a collapsed scrum resulted in a straightforward penalty for Rob Fitch to reduce the deficit.

Avon then took the lead with a try after some inspired play featuring the forwards and backs alike. A strong burst from Zak Harwood was taken on by Ian Burnell who sucked in the Chosen defence before the ball was spread wide along the back line where the effervescent Josh Harding-Wyatt touched down in the corner. Chosen struck back with a series of multi-phase attacks that were repelled by committed Avon defence but, deep into injury time, they finally escaped to snatch the lead with a converted try.

At only 4 points adrift at the interval and with the strong wind at their backs for the 2nd half, Avon felt confident that they could overcome this challenge. Unaccountably they failed to take control of the game tactically and spent too much time inside their own territory, only rarely threatening with their short off-loading game. Their target became more difficult as a Chosen counter-attack then sliced through midfield and found supporting runners for their third try out wide.

Despite promptings from skipper Scott Book and further impressive performances from their 18 year olds, Xander Davis and Sam Wykes, up front, Avon could not breach the visitors stubborn defence and eventually had to settle for another penalty from Fitch to salvage a bonus point as some small consolation.

With no matches next week, Avon return to action on 11th February at Yatton.