Their 5th successive win sees them occupy 6th position in Somerset Premier but only 4 points off 3rd place with 2 games in hand.

The result was all the more praiseworthy as they were missing 5 props, resulting in Ben Hurd and Ian Burnell being asked to play in unfamiliar positions to shore up the scrum. Both responded magnificently to the challenge with storming performances, causing coach Kai Harwood to say afterwards “I have never split the man-of-the-match award before but it’s impossible to separate the valuable contribution that Ian and Ben made for Avon this afternoon to inspire an all-round outstanding team display”

For much of the first quarter, Avon were under the cosh as a well-organised Minehead side dominated possession and territory. But, after soaking up this early pressure through their tenacious defence, two breaks from Escher Le Duq and Xander Davis lifted the siege allowing Avon to show their ruthless streak in the red zone as Hurd finished off a lineout drive to touch down their first try. With Scott Book and Dan Griffin dominating the lineouts and the pack even stealing a couple of balls against the head, Avon started to exert more pressure and were rewarded with another try in the opposite corner as swift hands gave Ollie Flight the chance to squeeze in near the flag.

Jonny Batchelor slotted both conversions from the touchline, whilst Minehead were restricted to a single penalty for a 14-3 scoreline at half time. With Adam Hinchcliffe-Walz joining the action for the injured Will Hayward who had led the tackle count, this lead was suddenly increased after a short penalty with Sam Book touching down the try. Again Batchelor converted from out wide to open up a healthy lead.

Minehead launched a ferocious comeback with a series of attacks but were held at bay by some determined defence and had to settle for 2 successful penalty kicks to help reduce the deficit. A massive Avon scrum drive then resulted in a penalty which they kicked to the corner and from the resulting lineout, Hurd was again the beneficiary with the try. Once again Minehead came back and scored a converted try from a quickly taken tap penalty to breach the Avon defence.

As the game neared its conclusion, there was a sudden flurry of activity at each end of the field to round off a competitive afternoon’s sport. Firstly, Avon extended their commanding lead as another forward surge saw half the backs join in the drive across the line, leaving Xander Davis to power over for his 12th try of the season. Again Batchelor added the extras but, from the restart, Minehead had the last word with a well-created overlap to score a try in the corner with the last move of the game.

Next Saturday, Avon are due to host Tor at Hicks Field subject to any announcements on fixtures from the RFU. Their 2nds are also in action against a touring side from Leicester with a 1pm kick off before the 1st team match.