On paper, you would think that 6th placed Avon should despatch their North Bristol visitors, who are currently languishing in 12th position in the Western Counties North league. The respective league positions however, disguise some of the background, which suggests that this could be a closely contested match.

The earlier fixture between the two teams went down to the wire before Avon narrowly won through by 20 points to 19. Tries from Rob Fitch and Ross Atherton had kept Avon in touch with their hosts, who seemed to be in the driving seat with 80 minutes on the clock. Then skipper Kai Harwood took the game by the scruff of the neck with a trademark charge from a scrum near halfway, leaving a trail of despairing tacklers in his wake for the winning try.

The recent record of both teams over the past 5 games shows that North Bristol have been inconsistent, alternating between wins and losses with a won 2, lost 3 run. Meanwhile Avon have only won 1 match in that period, albeit two of those games have been against the runaway leaders Coney Hill and runners up Newent.. A few long term injuries to some of Avon's key players in the pack have forced them to blood a few youngsters, who have risen well to the challenge but perhaps lack a bit of power and experience. With only 3 games left, North Bristol also have the extra motivation not to be drawn into the relegation battle.

Avon are hoping to be inspired by a large crowd as this afternoon sees the Old Players Reunion and VIPs buffet in a match sponsored by Paul Knight Plumbing and Heating Engineers. If the showers hold off, let's hope for a great game to match the occasion.