Close but deserved win for Avon against Keysham

Avon made an encouraging start as a well-controlled lineout catch and drive after 5 minutes saw hooker Ben Hurd emerge from the pile of bodies to score the opening try which was converted by Rob Fitch.

With Scott Book, Ben Dilloway and Jake Dixon dominating the lineouts and Avon’s powerful front row gaining the upper hand in the set scrums, it seemed that further scores would follow but needlessly conceded penalties and turnovers in promising attacking situations allowed Keynsham to clear their lines. The visitors also looked very dangerous as they moved the ball wide but were repelled by strong tackles from Damien Sawyer, Ben Crane and Stuart Dilloway in the Avon backline.

Although both sides probed for openings, they were restricted by a combination of good defence and the heavy conditions with the rest of the first half remaining scoreless but Keynsham immediately capitalised from the restart with a penalty to reduce the deficit to 7 points to 3. Avon’s task was made harder when Book was yellow carded after the referee had issued a general warning for the number of penalties being given away but the remaining 7 forwards managed the 10 minute shortfall excellently by controlling possession and denying Keynsham the opportunity to take advantage of the extra man.

Restored to their full complement, Avon stoked up the pressure and made good yardage from two further lineout drives before they finally unleashed a flowing handling movement that saw lock forward Dilloway scorch down the left wing to score a try in the corner. Although Fitch’s conversion attempt bounced back off the crossbar, Avon felt safe being two scores ahead with 10 minutes remaining but almost came unstuck. Trying to play more ambitious rugby inside their own half, a dropped pass allowed Keynsham to hack the ball forward and winger Russ Tanner outpaced the covering defence to score a converted try. This gave Keynsham a losing bonus point and set up a tense final few minutes as Avon wound down the clock to secure the deserved win.

Avon are seeking to build on this result next week at home to Burnham before the England – France game on the big screen and a sausage and cider party in the clubhouse.