Another Bonus Point Win in a Challenging Away Fixture

Their 44-28 victory cements Avon’s position in 2nd place in Counties 2 Somerset. On Saturday though, they will face a stiff challenge as they travel to 3rd placed Chew Valley II, who were the last team to defeat them back in November.

For the first 5 minutes, Wells started like an express train, retaining possession as they threatened down both flanks and through the middle. It was no surprise when they took the lead with a converted try out wide from their prop.

This seemed to stimulate Avon as their dominant scrum forced a penalty which Matt Thresher slotted. Then crisp handling in midfield between Jake Coates, Zak Harwood and Escher le Duc opened up a half chance for full back Jack Moore to exploit with a mazy run to the try line.

Soon after, an immense line out drive surged up field for fully 50 metres before Wells despairingly collapsed the maul with Liam Ridley poised to touch down, thereby conceding a penalty try and incurring a yellow card. Then clean line out ball off the top from Dan Griffin was moved along the backs who produced a training ground move for blindside winger Iain Parris to carve through the middle for their second try. Thresher again added the extras.

As half time approached, Wells enjoyed a short period of ascendancy which was rewarded as their scrum half deftly passed back inside for their flanker to crash over for their second converted try to reduce the deficit.

Avon responded in style after the break as they swiftly recycled possession out wide for Dan Griffin to stroll over for their bonus point try. With Avon’s pack well on top with Rhys van den Handel and Ben May threatening, they soon forced another penalty for Thresher to knock over. He then followed this up after another well-rehearsed three quarter move allowed him to burst through the middle for another converted try.

Wells dug deep, defending manfully and their pressure resulted in their centre intercepting an Avon attack inside the home 22 before racing away 75 metres upfield for another converted try. Once again, this spurred Avon to respond. New recruit Tom Gallo from the USA came off the bench for his debut at scrum half and spotted an opening on the blindside. Two quick passes later saw the ball reach Thresher who stood up his opposite number before sprinting down the wing for his 19th try of the season.

As the match entered added time, Wells were rewarded for their perseverance as they secured a try bonus point with a consolation try in the final move of the game, which was well refereed by Will Whyte.