Sam kicks his way into Avon's record books

AVON Sam Rowlands equalled a club point-scoring record as the 1sts came away from a pulsating game against second-placed Taunton 2nds with a creditable 20-20 draw in Tribute Somerset Premier.

Despite being without injured skipper Kai Harwood, Avon made an electric start with a first-minute penalty from Rowlands, followed by a try shortly afterwards from winger Ollie Flight after quickly recycled ball created an overlap in the corner.

Rowlands converted magnificently from the touchline to make it 10-0 but Taunton showed their class by working their way back into the match with a series of clever handling moves that eventually led to a try on the right wing.

The game flowed backwards and forwards between two teams intent on playing attractive rugby, with Nick Williams and Elliot Hayes spurring on Avon's forward effort while centre Stuart Thompson was magnificent in attack and defence.

Incessant pressure brought its rewards shortly before half-time when play was switched to the blindside after a series of attacks for scrum-half Rowlands to dummy his way over for a try, to which he added the extras.

Taunton responded straight from the restart as their centre took advantage of a midfield gap to scythe through for a converted try to reduce the deficit.

But again Avon hit back with a succession of close forward drives which forced Taunton to concede a penalty, converted by Rowlands to equal the Avon scoring record of 245 points for an individual season currently held by Paul Bird in the early 1980s.

However, with Damien Sawyer, Ben Hurd and Stuart Thompson being forced off through injury, Taunton came more and more into the game in the last quarter and salvaged a draw with a penalty and 75th-minute try.

Old Sulians, Somerset Premier's bottom team, suffered more misery as they were thumped 63-8 at Chew Valley, while Stothert & Pitt had to concede their away fixture to Bristol Harlequins.

Avon 2nds completed the double over Midsomer Norton 3rds with a 17-5 success which moved them up to fourth in Somerset 3 North.

Stalwart Terry Wynes again defied the years with two more tries, the first after a strike against the head from hooker Kaz Dagger and the second after a jinking break from Paul Bates, one of which he converted.

The elusive Bates added the third himself after good approach work from Zak Harwood, while Norton claimed a consolation try after some confusion when a mark was awarded but then ignored.