Avon open with 17-15 win against Barton Hill
Avon made a successful start in their first-ever match in Western Counties with this narrow but well deserved win against a strong Barton Hill side.
The early exchanges proved to be cagey as both sides tested out their opponents before Avon started to extend the visitors defence with some clever inter-passing amongst the forwards. With Shaun Wynes returning from injury after 2 years out of the game to pull the strings from flyhalf, Avon threatened to open the scoring after several rolling mauls close to the try line but Barts slotted a penalty for offside in front of the posts to take the lead.
On the stroke of half time, Avon launched a free flowing attack that swiftly stretched the ball left then right across the field before a final switch of direction found lock forward Ben Dilloway charging under the posts for the try, converted by Wynes.
The Avon pack had the upper hand with ex Hartpury and Cinderford prop Alex Hunt making an impressive debut and, with the wind on their backs, Avon thought they could dominate territorially in the second half but were rudely awakened as they conceded two soft tries inside 5 minutes. Firstly, they allowed Barts dangerous winger too much space over a 60 yard sprint to the line and then were slow to react to a charge down with the ball sitting up kindly for a second try in the corner.
Facing a 7 – 15 deficit going into the last quarter and with Wynes forced off the field with back spasms, Avon dug deep and showed their true character and resilience. Young centre Zak Harwood, nonchalantly slotted a penalty to close the gap then, with the last move of the game, Avon kept recycling possession until they created space on the blindside for Jake Dixon to storm over to level the scores at 15 points each.
Faced with the conversion attempt from the touchline, young Harwood completed his heroics to land the winning kick and preserve Avon’s 18 month unbeaten home record to spark the celebrations.
Next week, Avon venture further into the unknown with a trip to face Berry Hill in the Forest of Dean.
Avon 2nds narrowly lost by 12 points to 10 away against Old Culverhaysians 1sts in Somerset Division 2.
Team Sponsors
