However it was not to be as Avon did enough to control a game which never really hit the heights in front of a large crowd at their ex-players reunion.

Livewire scrum half Alex Gapper made a 50 metre break in the first minute and, although stopped just short of the line, birthday boy Ben Hurd was on hand to touch down his 16th try of the season. Jonny Batchelor added the extras.

Avon dominated the first quarter and, after several drives were repelled by numerous team infringements close to the line, useful prop Swan was sent to the sin bin. This was Avon’s signal to launch a massive scrum surge which was illegally collapsed, giving the referee no option but to award a penalty try.

With a comfortable 14 point lead, Avon looked to power on but, apart from one flowing move featuring Xander Davis, Iain Parris and Dan Griffin, they could not find the next gear and were kept at bay by an excellent Minehead defence.

A penalty from Batchelor just after half time brought up his 200 points for the season and gave Avon some more breathing space but both sets of defences dominated for long periods as neither side were able to capitalise on some half chances.

As the game entered the final quarter, Avon struggled to get outside their own half and Minehead increasingly became more confident. It was no surprise when they scored a consolation try after fullback Gower danced up the touch line following a loose kick before chipping ahead to allow Lewis to touch down. This lead to a nervy last 10 minutes as Avon lacked their normal control before eventually sealing a 17 points to 5 win.

On Saturday, 3rd placed Avon make the long trip to Wiveliscombe to take on the Somerset Premier league leaders.