Avon show promise in narrow opening loss

With only 30 seconds on the clock in their opening Western Counties North match, Matson regathered their kick off and swiftly transferred the ball to their speedy right winger to score a very early converted try. Moments later, only a try saving tackle from Tim Wood prevented a second visitors score and things were looking ominous for Avon as Matson's lightning backs threatened to cut loose.

As the half progressed, Avon started to settle as their powerful pack began to impose themselves and develop some continuity. They soon levelled the scores as scrum half Ollie Flight tapped a short penalty for centre Zak Harwood to make good ground up the middle before Ian Burnell was held up just short of the line. Quickly recycling the ball in the opposite direction, burly 2nd row Jake Dixon barged over for the equalising try, converted by Rob Fitch.

Within another 10 minutes, Avon had opened up a 6 point lead as increasing pressure forced Matson to concede penalties, two of which were successfully converted by Fitch.

With half time beckoning, Avon self destructed as they gave away two tries. Firstly, a charged down box kick was gratefully snapped up for another try down the right wing, then a loose pass was kicked downfield for the visitors to outstrip the cover defence for their 3rd try.

The second half was evenly balanced as Avon began to build momentum but, although their pack enjoyed an edge in the set pieces, some random penalties under the new scrummaging laws allowed Matson to relieve the pressure. From one such penalty kick, Matson sucked in the defence from the ensuing line out to clinch their bonus point try.

Avon immediately responded from the restart as Scott Book stole turnover ball to unleash prop Chris Mutlow who surprised the defence to sprint over from 30 metres for an excellent try.

With defences tiring and gaps appearing, Matson struck back with another try before Avon responded up the opposite flank as Mutlow repeated his try scoring feat, this time from closer quarters. The last 5 minutes saw Avon desperately trying to add their 4th try to secure a double bonus point, only to be denied by the visitors committed defence.

Next week, Avon travel to play another Gloucestershire side at Chosen Hill and hope to have another couple of three quarters back in the fold to strengthen the outside backs.