On a heavy pitch in a howling gale and with the forecast due to worsen, the first score was vital and Avon obliged after a series of forward drives forced play deep into the visitors 22. Skipper Kai Harwood launched a trademark charge off the base of a scum to suck in the defence before hooker Ben Hurd extricated himself from his front row duties to snaffle the ball at the back of the ruck and dive across the try line for the opening score.

Rob Fitch converted and controlled the game tactically to keep Avon on the front foot as their pack took a stranglehold on the game, only to be denied further scores through a combination of good Berry Hill defence and the greasy conditions that made handling difficult.

Although Ian Burnell and Tom Phillips were forced to leave the field with injuries, their replacements Chris Hurd and Rhodri Theaker smoothly settled in as Avon again cranked up the pressure after the break. Scrum half Ollie Flight was a constant threat with his close quarter sniping and exploited the blindside to slide over in the corner for Avon's second try.

Keeping the ball close and controlling territorially, Avon came close to adding further tries as firstly Ben Crane, then Jake Dixon, were forced into touch near the corner flag by desperate cover defence.

As the weather worsened, Rob Fitch opened up a healthy gap with a drop goal to extend the lead to 15 points before a storm of biblical proportions swept in to prevent any other attempts to play meaningful rugby. With the result beyond doubt, referee Martin Bath, who managed the game sympathetically throughout, ended the game 5 minutes early, much to the appreciation of the drenched players and spectators.

Next week, Avon travel to North Bristol to play a rearranged game.