An impressive start saw Avon score two tries inside the first 10 minutes. Recycling the ball continuously, running some great support lines and playing with speed and intensity, it was no surprise when Kiddie Sheikh danced through from short range to touch down the opening try. From the restart Matt Thresher swapped passes with Rhys van den Handel, then sprinted 50 metres to score in the corner.

Xander Davis and Dan Cousineau led the way up front with a series of powerful bursts, whilst Tom Boreham and Zak Harwood posed a constant threat through the middle. Only some over ambitious moves and determined Minehead defence prevented further scores. Then the visitors showed their attacking prowess to reduce the deficit with a converted try just before half time.

Avon responded immediately though as Harwood offloaded to Boreham who surged up field before finding Sheikh in support to cross under the posts. Jake Coates converted.

The bonus point try came straight after the interval as Boreham burst up the touchline to dive over the try line in the corner.

With their powerful bench of Ian Burnell, Oscar McCormack and Liam Ridley joining the action, Avon continued to press and an exquisite handling move transferred the ball out wide for winger Jack Moore to celebrate his debut with a try.

With the clock running down, Minehead added a second converted try shortly before the final whistle.

Afterwards, whilst praising his squad for the result, Head Coach Kai Harwood revealed he was disappointed with the performance for long spells of the game where he felt that Avon were cruising rather than turning the screw. He emphasized that there needed to be a step up in focus next week for the challenge posed by Weston Hornets.

Meanwhile the Avon 2nd elite team entertained the Bath University Jagers social side in an absorbing contest, pitching the students youth and energy against Avon’s more experienced and powerful squad. An enjoyable game ended up with Avon coming out on top by 12 points to 5. Avon’s tries were scored by Mark Carpenter and skipper Ben Hurd, with Paul Bates slotting a conversion. Avon welcomed two new players in Alex Chown and Damien Tang who made impressive debuts for the club. More details to follow in separate report.