The heavy pitch conditions underfoot and the incessant drizzle dictated the pattern of the game, which largely consisted of a series of close quarter drives and never ending scrums. Although Stroud had a large pack, this actually suited Avon whose superior technique kept them on the front foot in the set pieces with hooker Ben Hurd being named man of the match by the Stroud coach, ably supported by his props Chaz Meddick and Chris Mutlow.

With regular kicker Rob Fitch missing, James Leeming opened the scoring with an early penalty before Avon were forced on the defensive as their visitors besieged their line, only to be repelled by magnificent defence led by Ian Burnell up front and Ben Crane in midfield. Stroud levelled with a penalty on the half hour, leaving the two teams locked at three apiece at half time.

After the interval, it was Avon's turn to take the initiative as they camped inside the Stroud 22, forcing a series of attacking scrums that were only held out by desperate defence. Eventually the pressure told as scrum half Ollie Flight surged over for a try off the back of another powerful scrum, converted by Stu Dilloway.

Avon had chances to increase their lead as their pack again pressurised the visitors line but were thwarted by the greasy ball and committed tackling. Stroud proved dangerous on the counter attack and threatening runs were snuffed out by magnificent cover tackles from Damien Sawyer and Stuart Dilloway.

As the game neared its conclusion and seeking a draw, Stroud forced an attacking scrum close to the Avon line but the last word went to hooker Hurd with another strike against the head to relieve the danger, leaving Avon to close out a well deserved win in the muddy conditions.

Next week, Avon travel to Chosen Hill.