Facing a half time deficit of 20-7 down with Weston already notching up 4 unconverted tries, Avon’s win was down to a clever change of tactics from coach Kai Harwood and the never-say-die spirit of his squad as they launched an amazing comeback to snatch the win in the closing minutes.

Earlier, despite dominating the opening quarter in possession and territory stats, Avon couldn’t find a way to score with tireless flanker Ian Burnell coming closest as the ball was dislodged in the act of touching down over the tryline. Weston in contrast were ruthless in attack and posed a threat every time their sleek backs moved the ball wide. Outstanding centre Chris Young was their main beneficiary with a hat-trick of tries as he finished off some swashbuckling handling moves, whilst their right winger also touched down in the corner. Crucially for Avon, none of the conversions were successful in the tricky wind.

Avon’s first half try was scored by Xander Davis – his 10th of the season – as he cut a supporting line off fly half Chris Flavell to surge over the line. Jonny Batchelor’s conversion helped keep Avon in touch at half time.

With the advantage of the wind in the second period and with some tweaks to their defensive formation, Avon cut down the home team’s space in attack and started to threaten more themselves. A thrilling 40 metre burst from winger Iain Parris set them on their way deep inside their opponents half and a powerful run from the Cashnella man-of-the-match Escher Le Duq opened up a half chance for Matt Thresher to scorch down the wing to reduce the deficit. With Batchelor again converting from out wide, it was suddenly a one-score game.

Although Weston pressurised again, the visitors defence continually repelled their attacks and Avon started to pose their own questions as they developed their close quarter handling game to good effect, with prop Louis Belsten celebrating his first try for the 1st team as he charged over the line. The conversion from Batchelor’s immaculate boot gave Avon a narrow single point lead.

Avon were then guilty of trying to play from too deep inside their own half, rather than use the wind to pressure WSM at the other end and it was no surprise when Weston regained the lead with another try from a charged down defensive kick. With impact players Ben Hurd and Chaz Meddick joining the fray, Avon mounted a last counter attack as Dan Griffin soared high to set up an unstoppable line out drive with hooker Sam Book touching down the winning try.

As the clock ticked down, skipper Kane Book marshalled his troops with a series of short forward drives to stifle possession and close out the narrow win, leaving Avon to look forward to the visit of Old Reds to Hicks Field next Saturday.