3rd Successive Win as Burnell Excels

For much of the first half, Old Reds proved a stern threat playing down the slope as they forced Avon on the defensive inside their own half. Some determined tackling from Zak Harwood, Sam Book and Ben Hurd, together with an inspired performance from man-of-the-match Ian Burnell, kept them at bay.

Meanwhile when Avon moved play back up field, they were ruthless in taking their chances as two visits into their hosts 22 brought two tries. Firstly, a powerful line out drive saw Burnell emerge from the pile of bodies to claim the opening try. Then a variation of the same move sucked in the home defence and Josh Harding-Wyatt cut a great line to touch down under the posts.

With Avon gaining in confidence, they mixed play through their power runners like Chaz Meddick and Xander Davies with deft offloads from Kane and Scott Book. It was no surprise when they extended their lead on the stroke of half time as continual recycling eventually created the opening for scrum half Alex Gapper to poach their third try.

Two Jonny Batchelor conversions gave Avon a useful 19-0 lead which he then extended immediately after the interval with a successful penalty. Tom Boreham continued to pull the strings at fly half in a masterful display and Avon were rewarded when a massive scrum surge resulted in the referee awarding a penalty try to bring up their bonus point score.

As conditions worsened, the greasy ball made concerted handling difficult and Old Reds tightened up their defence to prevent any further scoring. Next week Avon welcome Burnham to Hicks Field.

Avon 2nds were grateful to Frome for bolstering their ranks but came up short as Walcot 3rds finished up comfortable winners in the Bath Combination Merit Table.