This could prove vital though later in the season as it lifts Avon up to 10th place in Western Counties North.

Avon made the worst possible start by conceding a try right from the outset for the second week in a row. Although being starved of decent possession in the first quarter, they hit back with two monstrous penalties from fly half Rob Fitch to take the lead. This proved short-lived as Bristolians added their second try.

Although Fitch slotted another penalty after good work from the pack to turn around only one point adrift at half time, this was immediately cancelled out after the interval with an OBs penalty. The home side then added another try and threatened to pull away but Avon showed great spirit to respond strongly with a try from speedster James Leeming, his 8th of the season.

They failed to deal with the restart effectively though, allowing Bristolians to run in their 4th bonus point try. With Zak Harwood having an excellent game on his first start after his return from a lengthy injury absence, Avon took the game to their opponents who were forced to concede penalties to stifle their attacks. Rob Fitch punished these offences with another two penalties to close the gap to a single score but, despite launching all out attacks, Avon couldn't clinch the decisive score.

Next week, Avon travel to second placed Keynsham.