Bonus Point Only In Agonising 23-22 Defeat

Although lacking some experience and power up front, Avon's replacements put in a excellent performance and thought they had done enough to grind out a win going into injury time with a narrow lead, only to be devastated as the Old Bristolians fly half held his nerve to kick the winning penalty. Even then, with the referee signalling one last play from the restart, Avon had a final chance as Chris Mutlow was hauled down inches from the line to be denied a last gasp try.

Earlier, both sides swapped penalties at 3 apiece in a fast, open but mistake ridden game before Avon broke the stalemate to take the lead when a powerful scrum surge allowed makeshift number 8 Ian Burnell to touch down for a Harwood-like opening try.

Rob Fitch converted to add to his earlier penalty and almost outfoxed the defence with a crafty chip for stand in captain Damien Sawyer to collect before the attack petered out. Shortly afterwards, Bristolians were lucky to only lose a player to the sin bin after a horrendous spear tackle on Stuart Dilloway who fortunately was ok to resume playing after a protracted stoppage.

A quickly taken short penalty exposed the Avon defence down the blind side for a try in the corner and, despite attacking threats from Nick Tribe, Dan Griffin and Ollie Flight, Avon only took a close 10-8 lead into half time.

After the break, the home side got on top playing down the slope and after a good lineout drive was thwarted, they were rewarded with a well crafted converted try from their centre to take the lead.

Avon immediately picked up the challenge and regained the lead as quick handling spun the ball wide for hooker Ben Hurd to sidestep the defence for a sparkling try converted by Fitch. It seemed that Avon now had the edge and were only denied another score when James Leeming was adjudged to not ground the ball cleanly after a scintillating kick and chase cut open the Bristol defence.

When Hurd added his second try from a well rehearsed line out drive, Avon thought they had opened up a decisive lead but, once again this season, they failed to deal accurately with the restart to allow Bristolians to reduce the deficit to 2 points with their third try. Then came the final frantic two minutes which left both sides with contrasting emotions.

In the absence of a game next weekend , Avon are holding a curry and beer afternoon to watch the 6Nations internationals and are hoping that some of their injuries clear up before resuming league action the week after.