In truth, Avon can view this as a point gained rather than 4 lost as the hosts monopolised possession and territory and should really have won more convincingly than the 8-3 score line suggests. However Avon gave a tremendous committed defensive display despite missing 7 regulars, with the stand-in squad members putting in a decent shift against a very physical and streetwise Bristol team.

For much of the first half Avon struggled to get out of their own half of the pitch but took the lead from one rare foray upfield as Rob Fitch slotted a long range penalty. Unfortunately, Avon failed to deal with the restart and allowed Quins a soft try immediately afterwards to take a 5-3 lead.

Apart from a few close quarter runs from Chaz Meddick and Kane Book and one threatening touchline break from winger Dan Mutlow, the heavy Bristol pack and their crafty experienced scrum half dominated proceedings, forcing Avon into a brave defensive battle. Things became more difficult as flanker Ian Burnell hobbled off with an ankle injury but the makeshift back row, with Simon Roe and Chris Hurd to the fore, pulled off a series of notable tackles.

After the interval, Avon enjoyed their best spell with several drives close to the home line and a penalty from Fitch that dropped just short before Quins re-established their stranglehold and once again camped deep inside the visitors half. Committed Avon defence and turnovers from the greasy ball prevented any further tries before Quins landed a penalty to open up a 5 point lead.

Avon still chased the winning score with a couple of dangerous breakaways from Ollie Flight and one sharp attack from deep by Damien Sawyer and Josh Harding-Wyatt but these were snuffed out by the hostile Quins defence to secure the narrow win.

Next week Avon are at home to Bristol Saracens.