The season that never was
It may have been the season that never was for local rugby teams up and down the country during the Coronavirus pandemic and national lockdowns, but that hasn’t stopped Avon RFC trying to lighten spirits by continuing their end of season review.
Steve Bird said: “A strange, if not unique, season has just ended for Avon Rugby Club with a host of interesting and unusual stats.
“Firstly, congratulations to skipper Kane Book who became the first club captain to oversee an undefeated season since the Second World War.
“The defence also deserve credit for their unrelenting passion and commitment, conceding zero points throughout the course of the season. Despite the power of the pack and the speed and skill in the backs, it must be admitted though that the attacking statistics were not so impressive.
“Special mention must be made to a few players for some unique achievements: Iain Parris didn’t miss a tackle all season; Ben Hurd collected no yellow cards; Chris Mutlow didn’t drop a single pass; Sam Book never threw a crooked lineout; Josh Harding-wyatt was uncannily quiet on the pitch; Scott Book didn’t suffer any injuries; Jonny Batchelor never missed a single kick at goal; Ian Burnell didn’t pick up any black eyes or cuts on his face; Ollie Flight was joint top try scorer, along with Xander Davis and about 30 others; Escher Le Duq continued to impress, amaze, inspire and amuse with his Whatsapp posts; Kane Book only missed one game despite suffering a broken leg in 2020; Avon still retain the Bath Combination Vase for the third year after winning it in 2019.
“Finally, on a serious note, well done to all the players and coaches for maintaining their enthusiasm and commitment during an unprecedented season which saw several target start dates come and go and where the training sessions were well attended despite not knowing when (or if) any matches would ever be played.
“The camaraderie and team spirit shone through and will surely stand Avon in good stead when rugby can hopefully be resumed for the 2021-22 season in September.”
There does seem to be light at the end of this very long tunnel for grassroots rugby. Training are now able to take place, building towards being able to play touch rugby and other similar formats before fullcontact rugby can restart ahead of the 2021/22 season in September which is hoped to finally be a full campaign for all involved.