With both teams having key players missing - including both their two top try scorers from last year - this led to a slightly disjointed although highly enjoyable game which was played with a high level of sportsmanship throughout.

Avon took an early lead when scrum half Ollie Flight took a quick tap penalty and made ground to allow skipper Scott Book to score his first try of the season.

After that though, the half belonged to Quins with 2 Ross Hickery penalties, quickly followed by an excellent try from their fullback who hit a great inside line from turnover ball. Shortly before half time, they extended their lead with a try from a close quarters drive. But Avon then closed the gap with a Rob Fitch penalty for an 18-8 deficit at the interval.

Avon increased the tempo in the second half with Chris Hurd putting in an excellent performance in the back row to pressurise Quins. They started their comeback when the ever-dangerous Flight finished off an exciting multiphase attack to touch down their second try with Fitch converting from wide out.

Whilst Hickery slotted another penalty for the home side, Fitch responded in kind to make it a 3 point game. The last 20 minutes saw frantic end to end play with both teams creating scoring opportunities but the committed Quins defence held firm as they closed out the game.

Next week, 4th placed Avon take on early league leaders Matson at Hicks Field before a World Cup party night in the Clubhouse.