So it proved as a depleted Avon eventually succumbed to a 38 – 17 defeat with Chew achieving their survival target for another season in Counties 2 Somerset.

Until the last quarter, the sides and scoreline were fairly evenly matched but Avon proved their own worst enemies by conceding 2 interception tries and another from a charge down to settle the result.

After making a good start with a series of concerted plays, Avon opened the scoring as Rhys van den Handel collected a cut-out pass to cross in the corner. Chew quickly struck back to score a converted try after several close quarter drives.

With Ian Burnell and Dave Attwood making several significant charges up front and Zak Harwood and Stu Dilloway threatening in midfield, the position was created for scrum half Kiddie Sheikh to demonstrate his wiry power to force his way over the try line under the posts. Matt Thresher added the extras.

Then from the last play of the half, successive forward drives eventually saw Chew Valley add another converted try to take a 14 – 12 lead at the interval.

As Avon were building momentum inside the home half, an interception suddenly allowed Chew to ease the pressure with a converted try at the other end of the field. Again Avon responded with a flowing movement as Chris Mutlow made inroads before suffering a spear tackle, which resulted in a yellow card for the offender. The ball had however been moved wide where veteran Damien Sawyer showed a clean pair of heels to touch down in the corner at the sprightly age of 46!

With the gap now reduced to 4 points, the key moment of the game occurred as Avon spilled a try-scoring pass near the home line with Chew taking full advantage to score another converted try at the other end.

Several lengthy attacking forays from Arnie Jarvis allowed Avon to once again build pressure. Unfortunately, they failed to capitalise on 2 close range lineouts and also had 2 potential tries ruled out, the first as Thresher was deemed to be held up over the line and the second as Burnell was denied for an earlier infringement. With time running out, Chew again made Avon pay dearly with a try from an Avon mistake and second interception try to put the result beyond doubt.

On the occasion of his 300th 1st team appearance, Ian Burnell proved a popular recipient of the man-of-the-match award after an outstanding performance in attack and defence. Avon’s last game of their Centenary season is on Saturday against Keynsham II.