In front of a large crowd, these two teams produced an epic cup clash which went down to the wire and showcased the merits of local community rugby. Midsomer Norton had ended their league campaign as Counties 2 Somerset Champions and also won the Somerset Vase, with a proud record of 28 wins from 30 matches this season and started as overwhelming favourites. Avon, who had finished in 3rd place in the same league, had other ideas though with an inspired performance from the whole squad.

With Avon protecting a single point lead as the match neared the end of normal playing time, it seemed that there were 7 additional minutes to play in added time. This set up a nail-biting finale as Norton launched attack after attack in an attempt to snatch the win only to be repelled by heroic defence from the entire Avon team. Wave after wave of thunderous charges were held at bay as Avon defended their lead but not without cost as they suffered 3 yellow cards, leaving them down to 12 players on the pitch.

Now with 55 minutes on the clock, Norton set up one final chance and drove for the line, only for Avon’s impeccable defence to halt the drive and hold the ball up over the line. As the final whistle eventually went, Avon’s aching limbs were immediately forgotten as the celebrations started on a famous victory.

Earlier Norton had opened the scoring with a converted try but Avon showed ruthless scoring efficiency to hit back with 3 tries inside a 10 minute purple patch. Despite playing up the slope, Avon engineered dangerous attacks themselves and every time they entered the red zone came away with points as their powerful pack started to exert their influence. Their scoring blitz was started after a forceful line out drive saw Ben Hurd emerge for the touch down. Then another line out drive was only halted illegally and from the subsequent penalty, scrum half Ollie Flight seized the chance to tap-and-go for Avon’s second try.

With Norton reeling from Avon’s intensity, they were knocked off their normal smooth routines and suddenly a magnificent 50:22 kick from Rob Fitch created another attacking platform close to Norton’s line. This time it was Dave Attwood who powered over for the resultant try. A Fitch penalty soon after saw Avon take a commanding 18-7 lead to shock their opponents.

Digging deep, Mid Norton narrowed the gap to a single point with a converted try from a swiftly taken short penalty, followed by a successful penalty goal, leaving Avon ahead 18-17 at half time.

Now playing down the slope, Avon were able to put Norton under pressure with huge relieving kicks whist still presenting attacking threats themselves, going close several times. Norton regained the lead after they scored their third try from an attacking line out but were forced to make handling errors in the face of Avon’s unrelenting line speed and covering tackles.

As the game ebbed and flowed, Avon once again took the lead with their fourth try as Dan Griffin secured good line out ball before finishing off the touch down. This set up the spectacular denouement as Avon’s will to win and complete team commitment prevented any more scores to record a famous win, only marred by a serious arm injury to their young prop Oscar McCormack.

Avon will play the Combination Vase final on the Rec on Wednesday 7th May against Corsham with a 6pm kick off before the Cup final is held at 7:45pm between Chippenham and Bath University.