Once again only a losing bonus point

Setting out with the objective of controlling the early phases to take the sting out of Old Bristolians, things unravelled as the first kick off was not handled well and Avon found themselves on the defensive for the first 10 minutes. Only tremendous tackling held out the visitors attacks but it was no surprise when the pressure led to their opening score from a line out drive.

A rare Avon excursion upfield was thwarted with a turnover and they were forced to spend the majority of the first half camped deep inside their own territory. 5th placed Bristolians soon extended their lead as Avon ran out of numbers in defence to allow a simple blind side run in for the visitors left winger to touch down in the corner.

A great individual break from scrum half Alex Gapper gave beleaguered Avon some much needed respite and encouragement. This paid off as they suddenly launched a multi-phase attack featuring Sam Wykes and Lucas Pratt before winger Glen Atherton finished off a well taken try.

After some stern words from coach Kai Harwood at half time, Avon emerged as a different side after the interval with a complete role reversal. Camped deep inside Bristolians 22, Avon pounded the line with a series of forward charges from Kane Book, Chris Mutlow and JJ Pulvertaft before hooker Sam Book burrowed his way over the tryline.

The restart saw Avon once again on the attack and, after Xander Davis went close, the ball was recycled to fly half Stu Dilloway who powered over for Avon’s 3rd try. With Johnny Batchelor converting, Avon suddenly had the lead but lacked the experience to close the game down to protect the result. Another huge defensive shift, led by man-of-the-match Lucas Pratt, held out the visitors until their powerful centre crashed over in the corner to level the scores.

Perhaps a 17 all draw may have been a fair result but a speculative kick ahead from Old Bristolians led to charged down defensive clearance which sat up kindly for the visitors to clinch the match-winning try. As a small consolation, the losing bonus point at least moved Avon off the foot of the Western Counties North table before their visit to Chew Valley next Saturday.

Meanwhile Avon 2nds enjoyed a comprehensive win against Old Bristolians 3rds, racking up 9 tries in a 53 nil victory. Featuring a blend of pacey youngsters alongside some experienced forwards, the tries came at regular intervals and were shared between Harry Harwood (3), Chris Jaymate (3), Ed Bailey-Hobbs, Jack Garmston and Chris Sawyer.