Avon started promisingly by dominating early possession and territory yet conceded the opening try as a loose pass was intercepted inside the home 22 for Stroud to go the length of the field to score at the other end. Avon responded strongly with their pack advancing upfield with their close quarter game to create an attacking platform for Xander Davis to power over the try line.

Stroud extended their lead with a penalty following a high tackle then capitalised from the restart with another try. Again Avon came back and, after two missed penalties, closed the gap to a single score at half time as Lucas Pratt touched down a pushover try after a powerful surge from the pack.

They were undone after the break though as Stroud quickly added two converted tries within five minutes as straightforward midfield moves saw them touch down twice under the posts. This left Avon chasing the game and, despite a man-of-the-match performance from young Sam Wykes and some threatening runs from Stu Dilloway, they couldn’t add to their tally. Meanwhile Stroud, now playing with confidence out wide, continually stretched the tiring defence to add three further tries in a comprehensive 48-10 victory.

Avon 2nds finished their league campaign on a high with a 12-3 win against Oldfield 3rds which lifts them to 5th place in Somerset 3 North. Their tries were scored by club chairman Ian Monachino-Ayres and speedster Harry Harwood.

Next week, Avon 1st team host Wells at Hicks Field.