Early Christmas Present for Avon

This leaves Avon handily placed in 6th position in Western Counties North at the mid point of the season with 8 league wins under their belt.

Despite missing their regular 2nd row pairing, Avon made a scintillating start, forcing 3 scrum penalties inside the first 5 minutes before being awarded a penalty try after another powerful forward surge. With the makeshift pairing of Tom Philips and Scott Book performing manfully in the engine room, Avon doubled their lead with only 10 minutes on the clock as a well rehearsed lineout catch and drive saw hooker Ben Hurd touch down his 6th try of the season.

Rob Fitch converted both tries and also added a sweetly struck drop goal just before half time to cancel out Chosen Hill's try for a 17 -5 half time lead.

Against the strong wind, Avon found themselves pinned back and conceded an immediate converted try from the restart. Then the visitors took advantage of a kindly bounce from a massive relieving kick to level the scores at 17 apiece with a try in the corner with half an hour left to play.

Avon showed their character against the elements as their defence denied Hill's attacks and they gradually started to dominate both possession and territory. Cranking up the pressure, Avon declined one penalty chance seeking a scrum advantage, then repeated the decision this time with a 5 metre lineout but were repelled by desperate visitors defence.

Finally, after a number of off the ball incidents, referee Tony Spreadbury's good natured handling of the game was stretched to the limit as he yellow carded the visitors prop. Avon increased their intensity and finally made the game safe with the winning penalty which Fitch slotted to spark Avon's Christmas celebrations ahead of their end of year party.