From the outset, Avon showed their attacking intent and opened the scoring with a try in the corner from energetic flanker Will Hayward. Fullback Jonny Batchelor converted magnificently from out wide to start an impeccable personal display which resulted in 5 successful conversions and 2 penalties for a 16 point haul during the match.

For the next 15 minutes though, Stotherts camped inside the Avon half and were only repelled by some excellent tackling, led by wingers Tai Harwood and Iain Parris and ably supported by Sam Book and Jonny Griffiths up front. At this stage, Avon were guilty of trying to play expansive rugby from too deep around their own 22 and thus put themselves under unnecessary pressure.

After soaking up the Stotherts pressure, Avon worked their way upfield and set up a powerful forward drive after clean lineout ball from Dan Griffin. Having sucked in the visitors defence, they quickly moved the ball into midfield where Tom Boreham burst through to touch down near the posts. Another flowing counterattack shortly afterwards after a powerful charge from Josh Hiscott led to the position for Batchelor to extend the Avon lead with a penalty.

Shortly before half time, Stotherts were rewarded for their endeavours with scrumhalf Matt Watkins to the fore as they pounced on a loose lineout ball to go over for a try on the blindside to reduce the deficit to 17 – 5 at the break.

After another Batchelor penalty, Stotherts again responded strongly from some threatening midfield breaks from Harvey Dellow and Nick Dagger with their second try. Sensing the challenge, Avon increased their intensity with the strong bench of Zak Harwood, Dan Cousineau and Ben May making their presence felt. Avon then started to completely dominate and added another three tries in front of the sizeable crowd. Having established an attacking platform inside the visitors 22, Xander Davis cut a tremendous line to surge through the despairing tackles for another Avon try.

Now playing more tactically sensibly and with a comfortable points cushion, it was no surprise when Kiddie Skeikh’s fine performance was rewarded as he sniped up the blindside for the bonus point try. The last word though was reserved for Avon’s irrepressible try scorer Iain Parris who touched down his 9th try of the season after a perfectly executed lineout catch and drive drove play deep into the 22 before a cleverly constructed switch move in the backs gave him the opportunity to celebrate his man-of-the-match award in style.