Avon top league with 38 - 8 win at Wiscombe

Sam Rowlands proved the star of the show with a virtuoso performance in the unfamiliar position of centre, scoring 3 tries and 4 conversions for a personal tally of 23 points to take his seasonal total past the 150 mark.

Yet for the first quarter, Winscombe proved difficult opponents to break down with some committed tackling and excellent forward drives testing Avon's defence to the limit. Ironically, Avon's opening score came after they were reduced to 14 men with a sin binning for a dangerous tackle. Turnover ball was quickly spun wide to Rowlands deep inside his own half where he set off on a mazy run before out sprinting the defence to score a magnificent solo try under the posts, which he duly converted.

Winscombe fought back to reduce the deficit with a penalty by centre Owen Howells before Avon moved further ahead with a try out wide by Stuart Dilloway after a blind side scrum move. Rowlands slotted the conversion from the touchline for a 14 - 3 half time lead.

Avon scored again immediately from the restart. A lineout catch and drive was held up just short of the line before the ball was swiftly transferred along the backs to Rowlands who danced through for his second try. Within another ten minutes he completed his hat-trick after an incisive break from Des Bowden opened up the Winscombe midfield, allowing Rowlands to cross near the posts for another converted try to secure the bonus point.

Avon then enjoyed their best spell with some attractive interpassing amongst forwards and backs forcing Winscombe increasingly on the defensive which opened up the opportunity for Des Bowden to scythe through for the fifth try. Avon gave new signing Chris Eames his debut performance off the bench and with growing confidence continued to recycle possession through multiple phases before powerful lock Jake Dixon barged over for their final try, again converted by Rowlands.

Winscombe to their credit finished strongly and scored a consolation try by Adam Scrace from a short penalty move.

After 8 away games already this season, Avon now embark on a series of 4 home matches either side of Christmas, entertaining Minehead Barbarians on Saturday.