In front of a large crowd of former players at their annual reunion, Avon dug deep in an admirable display of commitment to hold out in the face of unrelenting Gordano pressure. Much of the first half was nip-and-tuck as both sides struggled to build much continuity in the tricky wind before the visitors sucked in the Avon defence to open the scoring with a try in the corner.

Chris Sawyer put in a huge shift at number 8 and the young Avon 2nd row combination improved as the game went on against the more powerful visiting pack. Chris Hurd meanwhile performed admirably at prop in the absence of Kane Book and Chas Meddick to shore up the front row. Avon then levelled the scores as they seized on a turnover to unleash their live wire flanker Harry Fuller who stormed in from halfway for a magnificent equalising try.

This was short lived though as Gordano took advantage of some sloppy tackling to retake the lead with a converted try under the posts.

With man-of-the-match Zak Harwood making the hard yards in midfield and scrum half Alex Gapper making several incisive breaks around the fringes, Avon slowly worked their way back into contention. A series of close quarter drives were held up on the line before Gordano were yellow carded after several persistent offences for Rob Fitch to reduce the deficit on the stroke of half time with a penalty.

Avon took the lead for the first time immediately after the interval as they put some width on a flowing attack for Ben Crane to feed James Leeming who out sprinted the cover defence to score in the corner.

Defending their single point lead, Avon were forced deep inside their own territory but tremendous tackling and team spirit, epitomised by Sam Book and Ian Burnell up front and Stu Dilloway in midfield, repelled everything the visitors could muster. Although Avon occasionally broke out from the stranglehold, they conceded too many turnovers to maintain any consistent possession and eventually were grateful to hear the final whistle, although their more strident supporters were heard to mutter 'never in doubt!'

Next week Avon travel to Whitehall, seeking to complete the double and consolidate their league status.

Avon 2nds were defeated 44-15 by league leaders Chew Valley in Somerset 3 North.