The massive Bristol pack gave Avon a pounding in the first 10 minutes but resilient defence kept the visitors at bay. Although losing a player to the sin bin for a technical offence, Avon ironically raised their game whilst a man short and began to pose questions themselves with Kane Book, Jake Dixon and Ben Dilloway all threatening with the ball in hand.

As Avon started to build some momentum, a snap drop goal attempt drifted just wide and a promising blindside attack launched by Ollie Flight was snuffed out by the visitors cover defence to leave both sides locked together in a scoreless first half.

After the break, Avon’s pack continued to gain an edge over their heavier opponents as the effervescent Scott Book dominated the lineout and Kai Harwood gave his forwards a target over the gain line. Avon took the lead with a penalty from Rob Fitch and continued to threaten as a midfield turnover saw the ball quickly spun wide before being forced into touch. Then two lineout drives posed problems before being halted inside the North Bristol 22.

A fumbled clearance kick, followed by an accidental offside decision allowed North Bristol the chance to trigger an attack from a quickly taken short penalty on halfway and 4 passes later, they crossed in the corner for the decisive try to take a narrow lead. Although Avon desperately tried to respond, they were guilty of conceding too many penalties in key positions and Bristol put the result beyond doubt with a final penalty in the closing stages.

Next Saturday, Avon renew their rivalry against last season’s promotion partners Wells who are handily placed in 3rd position in Western Counties this year.