The match was a humdinger where the lead changed hands 6 times with Avon seemingly heading for a definitive win as the match ran into extra time. Then, with 6 added minutes played, Melksham launched one last frenetic attack and scored a try out wide to close the gap to a single point. The potentially match-winning kick followed in complete silence but, like all their previous conversion attempts, it sailed wide to leave Avon jubilant and Melksham rueing what could have been.

Earlier, Avon made an excellent start as the irrepressible Ben Hurd powered over for two tries from a combined range of 6 inches. The first came after a mazy run from winger Jack Moore was halted just short of the line, leaving Hurd to pick up and dive over for the opening try. This was then followed on the opposite side after a driving line out had been halted and Jake Coates cut a great line back inside for Hurd to again apply the finishing touches for his 12th try of the season.

Melksham showed their attacking prowess with their Fijian centre and fullback making dangerous runs. Twice they exposed Avon’s defence for being too narrow and created tries out wide. Then an 80 metre run from their own 22 resulted in a fine individual try. Crucially to the final result, all three went unconverted but allowed them to lead 15-12 at half time.

Avon had struggled to maintain continuity, turning over too many balls and unable to create multi-phase possession in the face of good Melksham defence and loose play. But the introduction of Dave Attwood at half time brought some increased authority and some barnstorming charges from Xander Hall-Davis and Dan Cousineau started to create opportunities.

Rob Fitch levelled the scores with a successful penalty before Melksham’s centre and full back again combined to set up the position for a try from their fly half. Avon regained the lead with a powerful line out drive which was finished off by Ollie Flight, only to see their advantage again reversed with a 50 metre penalty.

As the match entered its final stages, Melksham thought they had extended their lead only for the try to be disallowed. This gave Avon the chance to pounce and, after a half break from Fitch, his off load reached Cousineau who juggled the ball before celebrating his 19th try of the season with an exuberant dive over the line.

With Fitch again converting, Avon opened up a 6 point lead which seemed to inspire Melksham into an all out attack as the clock went into the red. Only outstanding Avon defence held them out as they battered the line near the posts for the vital score with a manageable conversion to follow. Eventually at the final denouement, they crossed in the corner to set up the chance before being denied at the death.

Avon now face Midsomer Norton in the semi finals.