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Sat 26 Oct 2013 ·  Tribute Western Counties NorthAvon 1stOldfield Old Boys
Tries: k harwood, J Dixon (2), T WoodConversions: R Fitch (5)Penalties: R Fitch (2)
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Avon Defeat Red Army at Hicks Field Fortress
Steve Bird27 Oct 2013 - 16:59
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Avon won the local bragging rights with this convincing win over rivals Oldfield to complete an unbeaten record during October and move up to 5th place in Western Counties North.
In reality, this eagerly awaited derby between two of Bath's top junior sides was effectively over as a contest by half time as Avon completely dominated possession and territory to clock up 4 unanswered tries before the interval.
The foundations for this inspired performance were laid by their uncompromising pack which pounded their opponents into submission in both the set pieces and loose exchanges. The writing was on the wall inside the first 10 minutes as a powerful scrummage forced Oldfield backwards for skipper Kai Harwood to pounce for a pushover try.
Although Rob Payne reduced the deficit with a penalty for the visitors, Avon responded with a series of forward drives to set up another prime position near the line and, as Oldfield deliberately collapsed an attacking scrum, the referee had no hesitation in awarding Avon a penalty try.
Shortly afterwards, Damien Sawyer exploited a gap to open up the visitors' defence and quick inter-passing saw centre Ross Atherton cut back and link with the supporting Scott Book who put winger Tim Wood away for a well crafted try.
With half time approaching, Avon again cranked up the pressure with another forward drive for Harwood to score his second try and clinch the bonus point. In an immaculate display of place kicking, Rob Fitch slotted all 4 conversions to seal a 28 - 3 lead at the break.
Shell-shocked Oldfield defended stoutly in the second half and, although Avon enjoyed the territorial advantage, they found it harder to break down the defence despite some cutting thrusts from Zak Harwood and Stuart Dilloway.
With Oldfield conceding penalties to stem the flow, Fitch added 2 more successful kicks to extend Avon's lead before Jake Dixon finished off a well-rehearsed lineout catch and drive to power over for the 5th try. Fitch again converted to end the day with a 100 percent strike rate.
With a 41 - 3 lead, Avon took their foot off the pedal in the last 10 minutes and Oldfield to their credit never gave up and sought to attack at every opportunity. Taking advantage of an extra player due to a late Avon sin-binning, they moved the ball wide from a swiftly taken short penalty for a try in the corner from winger Deji Alli. Then with the last move of the game, they added a final consolation try as Zak Ellis fastened onto a clever cross kick from skipper Payne to complete the scoring.
Next week Avon face a stern test away to joint leaders Chew Valley whilst Oldfield entertain Old Bristolians.
The foundations for this inspired performance were laid by their uncompromising pack which pounded their opponents into submission in both the set pieces and loose exchanges. The writing was on the wall inside the first 10 minutes as a powerful scrummage forced Oldfield backwards for skipper Kai Harwood to pounce for a pushover try.
Although Rob Payne reduced the deficit with a penalty for the visitors, Avon responded with a series of forward drives to set up another prime position near the line and, as Oldfield deliberately collapsed an attacking scrum, the referee had no hesitation in awarding Avon a penalty try.
Shortly afterwards, Damien Sawyer exploited a gap to open up the visitors' defence and quick inter-passing saw centre Ross Atherton cut back and link with the supporting Scott Book who put winger Tim Wood away for a well crafted try.
With half time approaching, Avon again cranked up the pressure with another forward drive for Harwood to score his second try and clinch the bonus point. In an immaculate display of place kicking, Rob Fitch slotted all 4 conversions to seal a 28 - 3 lead at the break.
Shell-shocked Oldfield defended stoutly in the second half and, although Avon enjoyed the territorial advantage, they found it harder to break down the defence despite some cutting thrusts from Zak Harwood and Stuart Dilloway.
With Oldfield conceding penalties to stem the flow, Fitch added 2 more successful kicks to extend Avon's lead before Jake Dixon finished off a well-rehearsed lineout catch and drive to power over for the 5th try. Fitch again converted to end the day with a 100 percent strike rate.
With a 41 - 3 lead, Avon took their foot off the pedal in the last 10 minutes and Oldfield to their credit never gave up and sought to attack at every opportunity. Taking advantage of an extra player due to a late Avon sin-binning, they moved the ball wide from a swiftly taken short penalty for a try in the corner from winger Deji Alli. Then with the last move of the game, they added a final consolation try as Zak Ellis fastened onto a clever cross kick from skipper Payne to complete the scoring.
Next week Avon face a stern test away to joint leaders Chew Valley whilst Oldfield entertain Old Bristolians.
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