Avon 1st
Matches
Sat 15 Sep 2018  ·  Tribute Somerset Premier
Avon RFC
Avon 1st
Tries: K Book, J Hiscoff, J Leeming (3), D GriffinConversions: J Batchelor (3), J Leeming
40
28
Bristol Harlequins
Avon picked up another bonus point win....

Avon picked up another bonus point win....

Steve Bird16 Sep 2018 - 12:57
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…… defeating a combative Bristol Harlequins team by 40-28 to move up to 3rd place in Somerset Premier.

Making the perfect start with a constant stream of recycled possession, prop forward Kane Book executed a clever show-and-go to score his 2nd try in successive weeks to open the scoring. Jonny Batchelor converted. As the game settled, both sides tested each others defences for the next quarter before Avon exploded into life with a magical 10 minute spell which brought another 3 tries.

Firstly Book won clean lineout ball at the front before Chaz Meddick was hauled down just short of the line. From the subsequent ruck, the ball was switched back to the blindside where Josh Hiscoff powered over for a try in the corner. Then turnover ball in midfield saw Zak Harwood burst through before unleashing flying winger James Leeming who outpaced the covering defence to score out wide. Again Batchelor added the extras.

Harlequins took play deep into the Avon 22 with a lengthy penalty to touch but from the resulting lineout, Leeming picked off a loose pass and scorched the length of the field to score the bonus point try, converted from under the posts to open up a 26 point lead. Shortly before half time, Quins were rewarded for their endeavours as they finished off a series of forward drives for a converted try.

Starting the 2nd half in the same vein as the first, the Avon pack exerted huge pressure, resulting in a charged down clearance kick where Dan Griffin reacted the quickest to touch down another converted try to extend the lead. Perhaps relaxing slightly, Avon started playing too laterally and their passing game became disjointed in the face of some belligerent play from their visitors. At the same time, Avon became sucked into an arm wrestle which played into Quins hands who suddenly scored 2 quick converted tries to close the gap.

Needing to reverse the momentum swing, Avon capitalised on turnover ball inside their own 22 and once again fed speedster Leeming who earned the man-of-the-match award with his hat-trick try, again converted by Batchelor. The importance of this was emphasized shortly after as Quins were awarded a penalty try after an off the ball obstruction. With a 12 point lead, Avon cleverly managed the remainder of the match, employing a series of pick and drives to retain possession and close the game out.

Afterwards skipper Scott Book said “the fact that we are disappointed after scoring 6 tries against a useful Quins team showed the standards that we set ourselves and give us a target for next week’s match away to Old Reds 2nds” Meanwhile Avon II are also away next Saturday at Walcot 3rds in the Bath Combination merit table.

Match details

Match date

Sat 15 Sep 2018

Kickoff

TBC

Competition

Tribute Somerset Premier

League position

3
Avon
12
Bristol Harlequins
Team overview
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