With 4 front line backs unavailable and the dismal weather, this match was always going to be a tough forward battle for Avon. Their cause wasn’t helped as influential number 8 Dan Cousineau was forced off with a groin strain inside the first 5 minutes.

With the wind at their backs, Taunton dominated the early proceedings with their powerful pack and physical approach. Incessant pressure inside the home 22 was met though by fierce resistance as Avon’s defence was outstanding, led by an inspired performance by Ian Burnell and Xander Davis up front, whilst Josh Banks impressed in midfield. For 30 minutes, the match remained scoreless as Taunton’s route one approach was foiled by relentless tackling.

Then Avon started to pose their own threats. A 30 metre line out drive provided some inspiration and when the ball was later switched to the blindside, a quick interchange between Rhys van den Handell and Ollie Flight ended up with Matt Thresher’s dive to the try line hitting the corner flag. Shortly after, Josh Hiscott was held up just short of the line and Tai Harwood was likewise forced into touch in the same corner. With their prop yellow carded for dissent, Taunton’s pack were driven back allowing Rob Fitch to sit in the pocket and coolly clinch a well taken drop goal.

On the stroke of half time, another cleanly taken line out from spring-heeled Dan Griffin set up a forceful drive with Davis touching down the opening try. With an 8 nil lead, it seemed that Avon could pin the ball into the corners with the wind in the second half and take control of the game. This was not to be however as their possession dried up as Taunton increased their intensity up front.

An over-ambitious handling move in the greasy conditions broke down, allowing the visitors to kick the ball up field and to start a series of incessant physical surges from their powerful carriers which were ultimately rewarded with a converted try to cut the deficit to a single point.

As the pressure continued to mount, Avon started to concede far too many penalties and were further weakened by 2 yellow cards for their indiscretions. After desperately holding off more concerted attacks near the line, eventually the pressure told as Taunton’s scrum half touched down under the posts to take the lead with 10 minutes remaining.

With the clock in the red, Taunton suddenly changed their tactics from constant powerful charges with a chip ahead inside the home 22 and claimed a controversial touch down as players from both sides dived onto the ball over the line. With the losing bonus point seemingly snatched from their grasp, Avon demonstrated their commitment by forcing play deep into the visitors half from the restart to win a penalty in the last play of the match. A kick to the corner, an unstoppable line out drive, a splintered defence and Davis emerged from the pile of bodies for his second try to set up the crucial conversion attempt which Fitch nonchalantly slotted to secure the well-deserved bonus point.