The home side could have no complaints against an improving Imperial team who on the day were quicker in thought and deed and eventually triumphed by 33 points to 19.

Imps took the lead after only 3 minutes, having stretched the home defence across the field and worked an opening to score close to the posts. Avon regrouped and got back level when James Leeming sprinted away from inside his own half for the equalising try, converted by Jonny Batchelor.

Although possession and the set pieces were even, Imperial had the edge when they got in the red zone and added two more converted tries before half time. In response, Avon produced another length of the field try, this time finished off by full back Batchelor.

The second half continued in the same vein with Imps playing quick attacking rugby and Avon struggling to put any cohesive phases together as they spilt the ball time after time. Imperial added two more second half tries before Avon had the last say when Tom Boreham crashed over after a rare period of sustained pressure.

Avon, who once again picked up some worrying injuries, will need to work hard to put things right before they travel to Minehead next week.T