Another Convincing Win for Rampant Avon

Early pressure from the visitors showed how dangerous they could be but committed defence led by Ian Burnell up front and Ross Atherton in the backs repelled their attacks. Then, with their first significant attack, Avon took the lead as mobile prop Chris Mutlow cut an excellent line on the 22 before gleefully sidestepping the cover defence for a excellent try.

Rob Fitch added the extras and Avon soon scored their second try from a powerful scrum as Ollie Flight scooted up the blindside to touch down in the corner for his fifth try of the season.

Cheltenham continued to impress with their ability to retain and recycle possession but lacked the cutting edge to trouble Avon's defence until centre Richard Morris intercepted a wayward pass to race through unopposed from the halfway line for their only try under the posts, converted by Zak Atallah.

Avon's woes were compounded shortly afterwards as Kai Harwood was forced to leave the field with a serious-looking hamstring injury from a dominant Avon scrum. But with replacement Chris Sawyer slotting in comfortably, Ben Dilloway playing like a man inspired, and Scott Book showing his leadership, Avon launched another attack which led to a Fitch penalty for a 15-7 half time lead.

The second half started as a very loose and adventurous game as both sides probed for openings but Avon's pack held the advantage with a series of powerful surges upfield and three strikes against the head by Ben Hurd.

This momentum gave opportunities for James Leeming and Stuart Dilloway to test the visitors defence before Avon mounted a fierce onslaught close to the try line. After close quarter thrusts from Mutlow, Hurd, Sawyer and Flight up front, Chaz Meddick was rewarded for a magnificent game with the third try, again converted by Fitch.

With 9 brothers on the field for the final ten minutes, Avon pressed for the bonus point try and thought that they had achieved their target as Kane Book crashed over the line only for the referee to rule a forward pass in the build up.

This win sees Avon consolidate 5th place in Western Counties North before travelling to Old Bristolians next weekend.