With never more than a single score between the two sides, this was an excellent advert for local rugby in an intensely physical and competitive match where the lead changed hands 5 times as play moved from end to end to thrill the large crowd.

Avon took an early lead with a penalty from Jonny Batchelor after a powerful forward drive but this was short-lived as a spilled midfield pass proved costly. Ali Lane and Sean Lilley swiftly moved the turnover ball wide to create the overlap for winger Harry Smith to sprint round under the posts for a try converted by Joe Russell. Avon spent much of the next quarter on the defensive but some committed tackling led by Sam Book and Will Hayward repelled the visitors attacks.

As Avon started to get their close quarter game going with Kane Book, Xander Davis and Josh Hiscott making the hard yards, Oldfield were forced into conceding penalties and eventually their number 8 was sin-binned. Avon took full advantage with a monstrous driving maul which covered 50 metres before the visitors again infringed, allowing Batchelor to slot his second penalty. With Avon now in the ascendancy, another multi-phased attack built the pressure before a forward pass denied them a try. They didn’t have to wait long however as a lineout drive saw Ben Hurd power over for his 15th try of the season to reclaim the lead.

As half time approached, Lucas Pratt cut an excellent line through midfield with two Oldfield players clashing heads in the attempted tackle which forced flyhalf Russell to leave the field with a nasty gash to his eye. With Avon seeking another lineout score 5 metres from the visitors line, Oldfield took advantage of a wayward throw and swept the length of the field only to be denied by excellent cover defence. With Alex Gapper also yellow carded for failing to roll away after the tackle, Oldfield opted for a scrum rather than a penalty in front of the posts but were left to rue their decision as outstanding Avon defence held them at bay to protect their 11-7 half time lead.

The second half proved an end to end tussle as Avon’s structured play gained ground through their powerful pack, reinforced by Chaz Meddick, Chris Sawyer and JJ Pulvertaft off the bench, together with their direct running midfield allied to Fitch’s astute tactical kicking. Meanwhile Oldfield were willing to spread the ball wide with free-flowing attacks from deep by their dangerous backs and were eventually rewarded as replacement prop Dave McHugh crashed over the tryline to give them a single point lead.

This seemed to inspire Avon as they forced successive lineouts deep inside the visitors 22 and were only held out as an illegally dropped maul resulted in another Oldfield yellow card. Avon struck ruthlessly as a massive 5 metre scrum surge was collapsed by the visitors desperate defence, leaving the referee no option but to award a penalty try. Clever game management then saw Avon close out the match as they retained possession to protect their lead and wind the clock down to add this cup success to their early season league win at Oldfield.

Afterwards coach Kai Harwood was fulsome in his praise for the entire squad, including those still sidelined through injury, for their commitment and resilience led by skipper Scott Book.