Uncharacteristic early Avon mistakes allowed Stotherts to dominate the opening stages and take an early lead as they reacted quickest to a bouncing midfield ball for centre Dan Harvey to crash over the try line, with Taylor Thatcher adding the extras.

With the Avon pack starting to exert more control, a massive scrum surge forced the visitors back and Scott Book controlled the pushover adroitly to touch down the try. This was a sign of things to come as Avon dominated the set pieces but conceded a host of unnecessary penalties at the breakdown to prevent any concerted phases as a scrappy half followed. Despite some wayward kicking and questionable tactical options, Avon took the lead as imposing lock forward Ben May burst over for their second try. Then with half time approaching, Avon failed to clear their lines with another misplaced kick and conceded a straightforward penalty that Thatcher slotted to level the scores at 10 apiece at the interval.

Avon exploded into life after the restart as well-won front lineout ball from JJ Pulvertaft was driven forward for man-of-the-match Ben May to touch down his second try. As Avon’s pack started to impose themselves, another period of pressure was rewarded as fly half Chris Flavell smoothly struck a snap drop goal to extend their lead. Stotherts responded strongly via their dangerous midfield runners but were repelled by some outstanding Avon defence led by Escher Le Duq and had to be content with another Thatcher penalty.

Avon were reduced to 14 men as skipper Kane Book was yellow-carded despite Stotherts sportingly suggesting that the referee should change his decision, yet this seemed to galvanise Avon as they took more of a stranglehold on the game. With Kiddie Sheikh pulling the strings at scrum half and the experienced Chaz Meddick joining the action off the bench, Avon earned another penalty from Flavell. Then the result was put beyond doubt as they scored their bonus point try when speedster James Leeming regathered a kick ahead to outpace the defence with Flavell slotting the conversion. To their credit, Stotherts had the final word with a consolation try after a series of pick-and-drives saw Ben Withey touch down in the corner.

Afterwards coach Kai Harwood said “Although it may not have been the most thrilling victory with some disjointed play, our defence was superb and our forwards were outstanding in the set pieces to earn a well deserved bonus-point win which sets us up for next week’s away match at Tor”