With the driving rain limiting any expansive rugby, Oldfield’s pack had the edge up front and forced Avon on the defensive for much of the match. Scrum half Ali Lane controlled the game in the first half through his adroit box kicks for wingers Charlie Noad and Harry Smith to chase and pile on the pressure. This resulted in 3 penalties from the reliable boot of Fin White to give Oldfield a 9 nil lead at half time as Avon got on the wrong side of the referee.

The second half followed a similar pattern as Avon struggled to get out of their own half and didn’t help their cause with 2 yellow cards and a succession of needless penalties. The Avon defence though was outstanding, led by skipper Kane Book and with Chaz Meddick and Adam Hinchcliffe-Walz putting a huge defensive effort up front, supported by Josh Harding Wyatt and Jonny Batchelor outside to keep high-scoring Oldfield tryless. However, the pressure forced another 3 penalties from White to give Oldfield a comfortable cushion as they maintained their stranglehold.

Avon threatened through the dangerous Escher Le Duq in midfield and started to exert more control in the conditions as Rob Fitch came off the bench to finish strongly in the last quarter. As they eventually strung together several concerted phases of controlled possession, Avon were rewarded for their persistence as James Leeming fastened onto a clever chip ahead to touch down in the corner. Batchelor converted magnificently from the touchline and, as Oldfield conceded a yellow card penalty from the restart, Avon again worked their way upfield to threaten the visitors line for another try to seek the losing bonus point. A turnover from an Avon drive to the line foiled that attempt, leaving Oldfield the victors.

With the Rugby World Cup captivating the nation, it’s sometimes interesting to dwell on the spirit of grassroots rugby as well and to note that the rivalry during a local derby isn't always combined to the pitch, with the players sharing several things in common. This is epitomised by Sarah Goodwin-Drew who has been working behind the bar at Avon for more years than she cares to remember and who is a former chair of their Minis section. Her youngest son, Ali Lane, started his playing career in Avon Minis as a 6 year old but migrated up to Oldfield when he was 18 and is now Oldfield’s 1st team scrum half so when Oldfield play Avon it’s always a tough day for her.

" Local rugby derby days are great," said Sarah, who wore an Avon shirt during the first half and changed to an Oldfield shirt at half time, "The fun and banter starts at breakfast time in our house and flows as easily as the coffee! "It’s hard on a day like this knowing who to support, Ali is my son but Avon is my club so I’m a bit of a coward and hide behind the bar! The one thing I do love is that the sport of rugby is unique in its camaraderie - no matter what happens on the pitch, both teams will stand shoulder to shoulder after the match and have a few pints and laughs. Who you play for or support, it doesn't matter as you are all part of the wider rugby family." Great sentiments from Sarah at this time with the incredible hosting by Japan at the Rugby World Cup.