This was only Imperial’s second home defeat of the season and their confidence showed in an impressive start. For the first ten minutes, Avon couldn’t lay a hand on the ball as their hosts controlled possession and territory with a series of multi-phased attacks. Successive pick-and-drives from their large pack resulted in an early converted try and this was improved inside eight minutes with another try in the corner.

Reeling from the onslaught and a 12 point deficit, Avon showed their true character as they bounced back with a display full of resilience and commitment. From their first noteworthy possession, the Black and Ambers swept play upfield and Jake Coates dummied his way across the line for their opening score, with Jonny Batchelor adding the extras to bring up his 100 points for the season.

Imps continued to play at pace with their direct approach threatening but were now met by firm Avon resistance, whose back row of Dan Cousineau, Dan Griffin and Rhys van der Handel produced an outstanding performance. This defensive commitment was backed up across the whole team, epitomised by some powerful tackling from Zak Harwood in midfield and an incredible try-saving tackle from Batchelor to haul down Imps rampaging number 8 near the corner flag.

Meanwhile Avon started to pose questions in attack, forcing their hosts to concede penalties. Batchelor saw one long range penalty chance rebound back off the posts but made no mistake on the stroke of half time with another successful penalty to close the gap to 2 points.

With Avon now enjoying the benefit of the slope and some impressive performances from young front row forwards Liam Ridley and Oscar McCormack, the pendulum started to swing. A delicate chip ahead was adroitly regathered by Josh Banks to touch down a try which gave Avon the lead for the first time.

Two separate yellow cards for technical offences had caused Avon to suffer and Imperial eventually took advantage to regain the lead with a converted try following a scrum penalty. Avon though were not yet done and worked their way back down the pitch with some impressive carries from Josh Hiscott and some dangerous runs from man-of-the-match Iain Parris. This pressure created an attacking platform inside the 22 and scrum half Kiddie Sheikh sniped through to add Avon’s third try, with the attempted conversion again bouncing back off the posts.

Enjoying a narrow one point lead, Avon sought to close out the game but the drama continued as Imperial forced a penalty chance with the last kick of the game but sailed wide as the visitors clinched an impressive result at a notoriously difficult venue.