It’s ‘as you were’ for Avon

At Avon RFC’S recent AGM, it was largely a case of status quo with the majority of officials reelected. Ian Monochino-ayres will continue as chairman, with Paul Kirby treasurer and secretary, Tony Mutlow as President and clubhouse manager and Chris Mutlow as fixtures secretary. Tom Boreham takes over as head of the sponsorship group.

On the field, Kane Book enters his fourth season a club captain, with Clive Book and Kai Harwood reprising their roles as director or rugby and head coach respectively. An exciting new addition to the coaching set up sees Jake Coates assume the reins as backs coach, while Chaz Meddick focuses on the pack.

Pre-season training sessions have been going well at Hicks Field following their pre-season friendly against Old Sulians last Thursday. Any new players are welcome to join on Tuesday or Thursday evenings from 7pm onwards. Following the restructure of the leagues, Avon will be competing in Counties 2 Tribute Somerset this season, with the second team - under the leadership of Ben Hurd - playing a couple of friendlies a month.

The grassroots season gets underway on tomorrow with Stothert & Pitt kicking things off under the lights at home to Bristol Harlequins in Counties 3 Somerset N. On Saturday, Keynsham go to Matson in Regional 2 Severn, while Avonvale host Dorchester alongside a local derby between Walcot and Combe Down in Counties 1 Southern South.

Avon are at Yatton in Counties 2 Somerset, with Oldfield Old Boys hosting Weston-super-mare 2nd. Their second side go to Keynsham 2nd in another local affair in Counties 3 Somerset N. In Counties 3 Dorset & Wilts C, Combe Down 2nd are at home to Warminster 2nd, while Corsham 3rd visit Trowbridge 3rd.

The Bath & District Combination Cup and Plate draws have taken place, with fixtures to played as soon as possible. In the first round of the Cup, Bath University host Keynsham while Combe Down go to Chippenham.

In the Plate there’s a number of derbies as Old Sulians host Walcot, Oldfield welcome Stothert & Pitt, Avon entertain Bath Saracens, Colerne go to Bradford on Avon and Avonvale visit Corsham. The Finals evening at the Rec will take place on April 19, 2023 and is currently seeking a sponsor.