Avon once again had to rearrange the team with no specialist back row available so they pressed full back Stuart Dilloway, wing Josh Hardin Wyatt and hooker Sam Book into emergency service in the pack. To their credit, the makeshift unit performed well and Avon started well, keeping possession for long periods and making light of not having a recognised line out jumper.

Avon had the edge in most departments of the game and were unlucky not to take the lead when a backs move from inside their own 22 released James Leeming who raced away before feeding winger Nick Tribe who was just pulled down inches from the line.

Then Avon's injury jinx struck again as they lost both lock Adam Hinchliff-Waltz and centre Damian Sawyer to head injuries. After another reshuffle, Avon were made to pay for a missed tackle after 30 mins which gave the home side a simple converted try.

Avon should have drawn level on half time when they marched back the home pack from a 5 metre scrum only to agonisingly knock on in the process of scoring.

With the strong wind on their backs, the 7 point deficit should not have been a problem despite the game being transferred to a narrower pitch whilst one of the injured players was being assessed before being moved.

Rob Fitch got Avon on the scoreboard with a penalty on 50 mins but, despite strong pressure, they could not break down a determined home defence. Then as frustration creeped in, they coincided cheap penalties and with 20 mins to go found themselves 13-3 down. Fitch pulled back 6 points with 2 well struck penalties and they looked like getting something out of the game. Then poor defence at the breakdown allowed the home scrum half to scarper away for a simple converted try which sealed the game.

With 2 more players added to their lengthy injury list, Avon were pleased to welcome back centre Ben Crane to the squad, who came off the bench to show he has lost none of his outstanding defensive skills. Another highlight of an otherwise dismal day was club stalwart. Ian Monachino-Ayres who made an impressive first team debut from the bench.

Next week Avon are at home to Whitehall.