The win was based on a massive performance by the Avon pack which totally dominated the set scrums, thus establishing a solid platform and causing no end of problems for their visitors.

Yet it was Chew Valley who drew first blood after they turned over Avon possession near half way and recycled the ball adroitly to open the scoring with a converted try inside 2 minutes. In a quick start, Avon levelled again immediately as a delicate chip from Rob Fitch was cleanly gathered by Jake Coates to touch down in the corner. Jonny Batchelor, who went on to enjoy an impeccable afternoon off the tee, converted from the touchline.

In a topsy-turvy opening quarter, Chew re-took the lead with a penalty before Avon again responded with another converted try. This came after a huge scrum surge allowed Dan Griffin to pounce for the pushover try. Although Avon were completely on top in the set pieces, they couldn’t put scores on the board and Chew showed their threats by forcing penalties from their attacks. Two successful kicks earned them a 16 – 14 lead but Avon’s power eventually resulted in another pushover try for Griffin.

This gave them a half time lead which they were never to lose with a very efficient second half performance. Managing the game well, Avon kept the scoreboard ticking over with 2 penalties from Batchelor and a drop goal from Fitch. These originated from cleverly manufactured positions in which Xander Hall-Davis and Ian Burnell made the hard yards to create the opportunities, backed up by probing runs from Kiddie Sheikh and Iain Parris.

Despite missing several chances in the red zone due to a miss-functioning line out process, Avon suddenly showed another glimpse of their attacking threat as first phase scrum ball was transferred via an intricate backs move to Jack Moore who scorched down the touch line for the bonus point try, once again converted by the metronomic Batchelor.

To their credit, Chew clawed back a consolation try right at the end but the spoils remained with Avon in their new change strip shirts, sponsored by Electrio Ltd.