Pulsating Avon 31 - 30 Win

With injury time approaching and 6 points adrift in a topsy turvy game, Avon pounded the try line as Chosen Hill conceded 3 successive penalties in a desperate attempt to defend their close lead. Avon's scrum launched one last almighty drive and Kai Harwood powered over for a try to reduce the deficit to a single point.

With ice in his veins, Rob Fitch calmly slotted the conversion from wide out to complete a personal 21 point haul and spark the celebrations.

Earlier, the game proved a classic nip and tuck affair as the lead constantly changed hands to entertain the large vociferous crowd. Fitch capitalised on early forward possession to open the Avon scoring with a sweetly struck drop goal. Chosen Hill hit back from turnover ball on halfway for fly half Scott Claridge to score a try on his debut.

They then extended their lead with 2 Ashley Lewis penalties before Fitch responded in kind to bring Avon back into contention.

Welcoming back Ross Atherton and Ben Crane in the backs, Avon looked more balanced out wide as the pack began to take control of the set pieces. A strike against the head by the Avon front row gave Harwood the chance to launch a blindside move, taken forward by Ollie Flight who popped the ball up for Fitch to loop round the outside for a try in corner which he converted magnificently from the touch line to regain the lead.

Then as Avon sought to press home their advantage down the slope before halftime, another rampaging run from Harwood took play deep inside the home 22 before a loose pass was snaffled by the covering defence. 3 quick passes later, Chosen Hill had moved from defence to attack as Claridge showed his pace for another converted try to regain the lead.

Either side of halftime, Lewis sandwiched 2 more penalties to open up an 8 point lead into the second half. Undaunted, Avon again upped their game with Jake Dixon, Ben Dilloway and Scott Book making inroads into the home defence. Another 40 metre Harwood break, coupled with quick hands from the backs forced the Hillmen to concede a line out inside their own 22 which Avon exploited with a well rehearsed catch and drive for Ben Hurd to drive over for the try.

Avon then levelled the scores at 24 each with another Fitch penalty before Chosen Hill negated this with a penalty and drop goal to assume what they believed was the winning 6 point margin. Showing admirable spirit, Avon refused to capitulate and mounted the last ditch assault to secure a well deserved win with the final play of the match.

Avon 2nds 56 - Midsomer Norton 4ths 0

Avon 2nds opened their campaign in Somerset 3 with a comprehensive win. Skipper Dan Mutlow led the way with a hat trick of tries and conversions. Rodri Theaker added 2 more tries as did young Simon Roe on his debut. Alex Hunt, Josh Harding Wyatt and Paul Kirby also touched down, whilst veteran Terry Wynes added the conversions to complete the scoring.