Avon defy elements to earn derby spoils
Avon defied the elements and earned local bragging rights with a 12-0 victory over city rivals Oldfield Old Boys.
It was one of a few local games to survive Storm Dennis and Avon gave an outstanding display in the conditions with their tactical game management paying dividends. With standing water on the pitch from the outset and playing into the fierce wind, Avon sensibly kept the ball close and took an early lead with their first visit to the Oldfield half as centre Ollie Flight burst clear for the opening try.
Points were precious and although Oldfield’s pack gained dominance with Avon conceding a string of penalties, the hosts were kept at bay with some outstanding defence. Twice Oldfield went to the corner for a lineout and forward drive, but twice Avon’s defence stood firm.
Despite losing number eight Josh Harding-wyatt to an ankle injury, Dan griffin joined the fray and fully contributed to the rearguard alongside Will Hayward and Sam Book. Once Avon regained possession, they kept the ball for long periods with powerful forwards Chaz Meddick, Kane Book, Xander Davis and Ben May making the home yards.
Scrum-half Kiddie Sheikh put in some immense box-kicks to relieve the pressure and Avon ruthlessly struck their second try. A lineout drive provided the platform before man of the match Ollie Flight cut a great line to power over for his tenth of the season.
With Jonny Batchelor nailing the successful kick, Avon took a point lead into the break but suffered an early setback when skipper Kane Book fractured his fibula after a collapsed scrum on his 299th appearance.
Louis Belsten proved a useful replacement and Ian Burnell took over the captaincy as Avon used the elements to force Oldfield to play from deep with a series of downfield kicks, allied to an excellent kick-chase from wingers James Leeming and Iain Parris.
As conditions worsened, neither side really threatened to break the deadlock and Avon held on to their 12-0.
Head coach Kai Harwood said: “It’s always pleasing to win our local derby matches but I’m most happy with the way the whole squad stuck to our game plan and controlled the tempo and style of play against a useful Oldfield side.”
Avon are next in Somerset Premier action on February 29 at home to St Bernadettes Old Boys, while Oldfield are away at Tor this Saturday and Stothert & Pitt travel to Weston-super-mare 2nd.
■ AVONVALE In atrocious conditions, Avonvale came away from Marlborough 2nd with a lucky 10-5 victory. Leaders Vale struggled whilst trying to play their usual game which wasn’t conducive to the conditions and Marlborough went into the lead after a dropped pass in midfield led to a couple of hack-ons which Marlborough won to touch down.
With a howling wind across the pitch, Vale eventually managed to score from a rolling maul off a lineout with hooker Jon Keepen touching down. In the second half, Vale were under the cosh but, on one of their forays into the Marlborough half, centre Drew Retford kicked ahead for winger Tobias Adlam to touch down. Vale held out and were relieved to hear the final whistle.
Vale spokesman Josh Meagor said: “We did not adapt to the conditions well and were lucky to win, sometimes you need some luck and we got it today by winning ugly.”
Also able to play in Dorset & Wilts 1N, struggling Bradford-onavon were beaten 56-5 at Trowbridge 2nd. Both have the weekend off before Avonvale host Warminin ster and Bradford-on-avon are at home against Marlborough 2nd.
■ Elsewhere, with Storm Dennis ravaging most of the local sport, a lot of games postponed last weekend have been scheduled to be played again this weekend with the RFU rules stating any cancelled game must be played on the next available Saturday, which is this upcoming Saturday with many divisions poised for their Six Nations break.
In South West 1, Keynsham will be welcoming Chew Valley, while Combe Down did manage to play last weekend, drawing 7-7 with Southern Counties South strugglers North Dorset. This weekend sees Corsham travel to Walcot before hosting North Dorset on February 29 when Combe also return to action at home to Swanage & Wareham.
Keynsham 2nd are due to host Bridgwater & Albion 2nd in Somerset 1, with Old Sulians not in action until February 29 away at North Petherton 2nd. Oldfield Old Boys 2nd managed a tight 14-13 Somerset 2N win over Weston-supermare 3rd and are now out of action until February 29 at home to Winscombe 2nd. Walcot 2nd host Yatton 2nd on Saturday.
Somerset 3N leader Stothert & Pitt 2nd return for their first game since the start of the month, welcoming Winscombe 3rd on Saturday, Keynsham 3rd are away at Chew Valley 3rd.
Combe Down 2nd lost 24-19 at home to Dorset & Wilts 2N bottom side Trowbridge 3rd, they next travel to Amesbury on February 29. This weekend, it’s a local derby between Corsham 2nd and Colerne.
In Division 3N, Bradford-onavon 2nd conceded a home walkover against Cricklade and don’t play again until March 7. Bath Saracens travel to Minety 2nd on February 29.