Avon Save Best to Last with Scintillating 45-12 Win

The scene was set early on by their impressive pack who fashioned a lineout drive where hooker Sam Book emerged to touch down the opening try. Cirencester responded with a converted try from their powerful number 8 but their lead was short-lived as Avon added a penalty from Jonny Batchelor.

With makeshift scrum half Damien Sawyer proving a constant threat, Avon were soon in the ascendency as skipper Scott Book, flanker Sam Wykes and New Zealand winger Mike Gunning started to carve open the visitors defence with some inspired running. This soon led to their second try as Jonny Batchelor finished off another incisive attack.

Then, as half time approached, another powerful scrummage was rewarded as Lucas Pratt went over for a pushover try. With Batchelor slotting another penalty, Avon enjoyed a healthy 21-7 lead at the interval.

Avon scored their bonus point try as replacement Chaz Meddick finished off several threatening drives with a storming burst over the line. Batchelor converted and swiftly added another penalty as Cirencester tried to stem the relentless attacks.

With Ollie Flight and Josh Harding-Wyatt adding new energy off the bench, a quick counter-attack from deep by James Leeming was taken on with a searing break from man of the match Mike Gunning before the supporting Scott Book put the finishing touches on a wonderful flowing score.

With Cirencester wilting from the heat and pressure, Book then added his second try with another pushover, with Batchelor converting both for a personal haul of 20 points. To their credit, Cirencester scored a consolation try with the last move of the match.

Avon 2nds also won by the same scoreline, beating Frome 3rds by 45 points to 12. In an entertaining game, their tries were shared by Matt Thresher (2), Will Hayward (2), Sam Harland, Charlie Harland and Paul Bates.