A good start saw Jonny Batchelor finish off an Avon attack to touch down the opening try inside 5 minutes, which he duly converted. Further scores seemed likely as Avon launched their powerful ball carriers Josh Hiscott, Xander Davis, Dan Cousineau and Zak Harwood into the heart of Imperial’s defence, mixed with some subtle offloads and wide ranging attacks.

Yet the visitors’ defence remained intact and as the half progressed, Imps started to take control of possession and territory forcing Avon to defend from deep. Only outstanding tackling and commitment prevented Imperial from crossing the whitewash as the rest of the half remained scoreless.

The second half opened with a reprise of the first as player/coach Jake Coates showed power, pace and poise to burst through to score under the posts. Batchelor again added the extras to open up a 14 point margin. Avon were now increasingly on top, securing ample lineout possession via Dan Griffin and with their pack starting to dominate the scrums and mauls. Will Hayward produced a masterclass at flanker with his tackles, turnovers, link play and ball carries to deservedly win the Jos Davies Man-of-the-Match award.

With a series of flowing three quarter moves, only desperate defence and the occasional mishandling in the swirling wind prevented further scores. Eventually, Avon added their third try as scrum half Ollie Flight was rewarded for his dangerous sniping runs with a try in the corner from another powerful forward maul.

An Avon penalty extended their lead before Rhys van der Handel came off the bench for a well deserved debut after flying back from Scotland for the match.

Next week Avon resume their travels as they play at Minehead.