Avon climb to third spot

AVON A 41-12 triumph at Midsomer Norton saw Avon climb to thirdspot in Somerset Premier.

In doing so, they clocked up their fourth win from five matchesthis season, scoring six tries in the process. Skipper Kai Harwoodopened the scoring when he finished off a break from fly-half DesBowden to power over the line with a trademark charge for a tryconverted by Sam Rowlands.

Norton struck back strongly with a try from their pack after alineout catch and drive.

Avon then started to revel in the excellent conditions throughthreatening runs from Ben Dilloway, Dan Mutlow and Jack Moon beforeRowlands finished off some close quarter approach work from the packto steal over the line for another try which he coolly converted.

Immediately after the break, Avon engineered the try of the matchas they spread the ball left, right and left again to bemuse theiropponents before Bowden plucked the scoring pass out of the air witha horizontal dive over the tryline. Rowlands again added theconversion.

After a lengthy injury break, Avon continued where they had leftoff, with Harwood collecting his second try in the corner from awell rehearsed front lineout peel, while Rowlands also slotted apenalty.

Norton, to their credit, responded with a converted try from aforward drive but this simply spurred Avon on to greater heights asthey built on their excellent team-work with two further scores.

First, predatory man of the match Scott Book charged down anattempted clearance before pouncing on the loose ball for anotherconverted try.

Rowlands then capped an excellent display with a mazy run fromthe halfway line to expose the tiring home defence and go over forthe final try.

Avon 2nds went down 40-17 to a powerful Clevedon 3rds outfit butplayed a full part in an entertaining game.

Ollie Harding Wyatt, who is improving in every game, scored twotries, with another being added by Andy Mead. Brother Pete Meadkicked one conversion.

RUGBY TEAMS Saturday Stotherts 2nds v Old Culverhasians 2nds,home, meet 1pm. R Hart, R Morgan, P Thurston, M White, C Drew, CWhite, B Moorelands, T Drew, T Wannel, C Carter, M Smart, DRichards, A Wicks, L Roman, M Solomon, T Clarke, G Cooke, T Vincent,S Croogan.