In a fast and open game, Avon used their powerful ball carriers up front, Xander Davis, Josh Hiscoff and Josh Harding-Wyatt, to surge across the gain line before unleashing their speedy backs to create havoc out wide in the second half as the visitors defence tired.

Showing their attacking intent early on, Avon launched multi-phased attacks but had to make do with a penalty from Jonny Batchelor as strong tackling and unforced handling errors restricted their chances. Then, after 20 minutes, Avon recycled the ball from 3 quick rucks and soft hands from Kane Book put fellow prop Chris Mutlow clear to race down the touchline for their opening try. Within 5 minutes, the forwards and backs combined beautifully in a sweeping handling movement with centres Zak Harwood and Ollie Flight linking before play was held up over the line. From the ensuing scrum, a powerful forward drive left scrum half Alex Gapper to touch down the pushover try, converted by Batchelor.

St Bernadettes responded well to move play back up field and protected the ball as they probed left then right before exposing a gap in the Avon defence to score a converted try. This reduced the gap to 15-7 at half time and the Bristol side almost scored again from the restart before a magnificent turnover from skipper Scott Book averted the danger.

A 30 metre line out drive put Avon back on the offensive and, with debutant Alec Gray pulling the strings at fly half, further scoring chances beckoned. Another line out drive proved unstoppable and Josh Hiscoff emerged from the pile of bodies to claim the try. After a mazy run from Jessie Daybell up the wing, Hiscoff then capped a man-of-the-match performance to support the offload and again touch down the bonus point try.

With Avon’s confidence sky-high, they mounted wave upon wave of inspired running and handling to open the floodgates. Another 60 metre sprint from Daybell scythed open the defence and allowed the supporting Gapper to cross in the corner for his second try. Moments later, as the ball was again spread wide, Daybell repeated the trick before unleashing fellow winger Wilf Nokes to score the final try. With Batchelor adding another 3 conversions, this secured Avon’s biggest win of the season.

Next week, Avon travel to Weston to take on the Hornets.