It is believed that this was the first fixture between the two clubs since a Somerset Cup quarter final back in 1983.

Things initially looked ominous as sustained Bridgwater pressure during the first quarter hour allowed them to take a 7 nil lead with a converted try. But Avon grew into the game and enjoyed several spells camped inside the visitors 22, although they failed to take advantage of some potential scoring chances which later came back to haunt them.

For much of the rest of the half, the two teams cancelled each other out as the defences held firm, although Zak Hardwood continually threatened the vistors defence with his powerful running, whilst Rhys van den Handel and Will Hayward proved a bundle of energy in the loose.

Then Avon suffered 2 killer blows either side of half time. Firstly, a promising Avon attack saw the ball bounce loosely for Bridgwater to hack through and score under the posts for a 14 nil lead. Immediately after the interval, Bridgwater expoited space on the blindside to add another try to stretch their lead to 19 points.

Avon responded straightaway as their pack became increasingly influential. After several promising surges, Xander Hall-Davis took a great angle to burst through from a short pass and crash over the try line. Rob Fitch added the extras.

Shortly afterwards, man-of-the-match Damien Sawyer fielded a relieving kick and found new Fijian full back, Addy Arole, in some space in broken field. A huge sidestep at pace opened up the defence and Addy set off on a scintillating run from halfway before touching down under the posts for a debut try. Again Fitch converted and suddenly Avon were back in contention at 14-19.

With Bridwater becoming increasingly worried about Avon’s comeback, they slotted a penalty in an attempt to consolidate their lead. Avon responded in style again as they retained attacking possession and swiftly recycled the ball out wide for Escher Le Duc to add their 3rd try. Fitch again converted and suddenly it was a one point game at 21-22.

This score remained the same until 5 minutes before the end when Bridgwater scored their decisive 4th try. Despite Avon dominating the final stages, seeking their own bonus point try and also a losing bonus to reward their efforts, the visitors held on to secure the 29-21 win.

In the 2nd team fixture, the Avon “Elite” succumbed to a 41-22 defeat against Bradford on Avon. Ian Burnell and Jake Coates both scored two tries for Avon in an entertaining match, whilst for BoA their try scorers were Oscar Powell (3), Dave Phillips (2) and James Carney (2)