In dank greasy conditions, both sides often found it difficult to retain possession for long spells but Avon had a clear edge in the first half as Rob Fitch slotted an early penalty to calm the nerves. Then a mazy run from winger Ollie Harding-Wyatt breached Bart's defence and 3 quick passes later, Stu Dilloway cruised over the line for his first try of the year.

With 3 strikes against the head from hooker Ben Hurd and the whole team looking lively in the loose exchanges, Avon should have extended their lead but were guilty of trying to force options when greater patience would have paid dividends.

Shortly after half time though, they were rewarded for their endeavours when a powerful 5 metre scrum allowed Kai Harwood to celebrate his selection as Bath Chronicle player of the year to score another try down the blindside to give Avon a comfortable 13 nil lead.

Instead of putting the game to bed, Avon suffered a crazy 5 minutes as they conceded 2 soft tries to long range Barton Hill breakaways after turning over attacking possession. With one conversion added, Bart's were suddenly back in the game at 13 - 12 down.

With Ross Atherton, Ben Dilloway and Kai Harwood making huge inroads into the visitors defence, Avon increased the pressure and were rewarded as Rob Fitch firstly added a penalty before coolly dropping a goal off his wrong foot to extend the lead to 19 - 12.

As the game entered its closing stages, Avon awarded 17 year old youngster Simon Roe his debut and it proved an inspired substitution as he cross-tracked 70 metres down the field to make a vital intervention to prevent an equalising Bart's score. The importance of this was emphasised later as deep into injury time, Barton Hill engineered a lineout catch and drive to score a final try in the corner to salvage a losing bonus point.

Next week, Avon will be looking to avoid an upset when they travel to play Cirencester who are currently struggling at the foot of the table.