Match Report 8 September 2007
Bradford on Avon 2nds 0 Avonvale 1st XV 51
Team Sheet
- Steve Grant
- John Crabbe (Capt)
- Matt Hegerty
- Lee Zurybida
- Sam Sparks
- Dan Ryan-Lowes
- Joe Vowles
- Ben Sparks
- Jason Russell
- Gareth Neate (VC)
- Richard Furnival
- Steven Bath
- Alex Feraday
- Gary Abbott
- Adam Brunton
Replacements
Lee Fudge; David Johnson; Alan Hobbs; Jamie Smith; Steve Fielder; Simon Harris; Jerome Blanche
Scorers
Abbott – 3 tries,
Sparks B – 2 tries,
Sparks S – 1 try
Neate – 1 try
Fereday – 1 try
Bath – 1 try
Furnival – 3 Conv
The first league fixture of the season saw Avonvale field a side with a good mixture of youth and experience. In hot conditions, the game was played at a level of high intensity which lasted until the final whistle. BOA proved to have a solid scrum and gave very little ground to a smaller, more youthful Avonvale pack but the visiting team dominated in the backs, securing 2 early tries for Gary Abbott. The confident Avonvale backs sought to keep the ball alive at most opportunities and ran in additional tries from Gareth Neate, Rich Furnival and Steven Bath.
Despite the advantage in the scrums, the Avonvale forwards competed well in the lineout and in loose play, traversing the park ardently to ensure plenty of support at the breakdowns. At half time, the score stood at 28-0
The second half saw a similar level of intensity and no let up in the scoring from Avonvale with a further try from Gary Abbott and one from Alex Fereday, following a solo break away and chip. The forwards also proved their fitness by getting in on the act following some solid support work with scores from Ben (2) and Sam Sparks.
Overall, this self-assured league outing from Avonvale, played with confidence and self belief, which serves as a firm indication of their intentions this season.