Mud, Sweat & Beers as Avon Return to Action

The home side made a perfect start with a converted try inside the first 5 minutes but Avon responded strongly as a powerful scrum surge created the position for Rob Fitch to nail the resulting penalty to narrow the gap. Barts responded in kind with a penalty of their own, then added another converted try after a series of forward drives to stretch their lead to 17 points to 3.

Avon again forced play up field and developed a good attacking position, firstly from a scrum against the head then, after a lineout drive, they switched the ball back up the narrow side for hooker Ben Hurd to storm over for his 7th try of the season.

Fitch converted to reduce the deficit to a single score as Barts mounted a fierce onslaught on the Avon line in the lead up to half time which was only thwarted through committed Avon defence.

Playing down the slope with the wind in their favour, Avon camped in the home 22 after the interval but Barton Hill tackled like demons to protect their try line. Having withstood this pressure, they took advantage from a short penalty to score their 3rd try in the corner.

Avon again threatened with Ross Cameron looking dangerous in midfield, Dan Griffin giving a sound performance on his debut and Zak Harwood making a welcome return from injury as a late replacement. Despite their efforts, they couldn't break down the resolute home defence in the slippery conditions and a late Barts penalty put the result beyond doubt.

Avon 2nds 33 - Bristol Barbarians nil

Avon 2nds moved to the top of Somerset 3 with a comprehensive bonus point victory at a boggy Hicks Field.

Despite the heavy conditions, Avon tried to play an expansive game with their forwards and backs interlinking well to create tries for Alex Gee (2), Josh Harding Wyatt and Rob Agnew. Aaron Sawyer weighed in with 2 conversions and 3 penalties.