Hat-trick of tries for Coates as Avon Elite take derby honours

News from the grassroots rugby scene – Saturday 25th October.

The Avon Elite and Frome Cavalry players put on-pitch rivalries aside for a group picture after their game on Saturday 25th October | Photo © Avon RFC

Avon Elite took the derby honours when they visited Frome Cavalry for a veterans’ fixture on Saturday 25th October.

The guests were 38-19 winners of a spirited contest that delivered some pace, a bit of power and plenty of drama to demonstrate the spirit of local rugby camaraderie.

From the kick-off, Avon showed their attacking intent with a threatening open-side attack that was only halted by a knock-on.

Then Jake Coates lit up the field with a dazzling 30-metre solo run to open the scoring. Paul Bates slotted the extras with ease.

The travellers continued to dominate the opening exchanges, with Mark Kelly and their forward pack punching holes in the defence.

Their efforts culminated in Andy Mead selling an outrageous dummy before dotting down under the posts for Avon’s second try. Bates was again on target, making it 14-0.

Frome responded with renewed energy, enjoying a purple patch of possession. However, Ed Higgins produced a try-saving tackle to deny a near-certain score.

Eventually Frome broke through the defensive wall to notch a deserved converted try.

But Avon’s pack roared back, driving a powerful five-metre scrum that allowed Gary Oblin to touch down, sending the visitors into half-time with a 21-7 lead.

The second half began with a bang. The guests’ Lister Metcalfe stole possession near halfway, setting up ‘C’ Smith to blaze down the right wing. Captain Ben Hurd finished the move with a clinical score near the touchline.

Avon then struck again straight from the restart, Coates strolling in for his second try, barely touched.

With injuries and age hampering the Elite’s momentum, Frome continued to show grit and determination.

The Cavalry’s number 5 led the charge with some barnstorming carries, earning a well-deserved try that was converted.

The following 10 minutes descended into a chaotic mix of chips, crunching tackles and handling errors, with neither side able to add points.

Finally Frome broke the deadlock, spreading the ball wide to score in the corner.

But Avon had the final say, Coates completing his hat-trick in style and Jackman adding the conversion.

The match was well refereed by Frome stalwart Roger Gilson.

Combe Down were knocked off the top of Counties 2 Tribute Ale Dorset & Wilts North when Minety won their match in hand on Saturday 25th October.

The North Wiltshire villagers beat hosts Calne 57-0 to move into pole position, a point ahead of the Down who are now in second place.

Local interest in the new-look national cup competition ended when Old Sulians and Bath Saracens bowed out in the second round after receiving a bye in the opening stage.

Whereas Saracens conceded their Counties 3 & Below South Plate tie at Warminster, Sulians battled hard in changeable weather conditions but lost 38-7 to South Gloucestershire club Kingswood at Lansdown Road.

Other local result for Saturday 25th October:

Counties 4 Tribute Ale Somerset North: Oldfield Old Boys 2nd XV 17 Imperial 2nd XV 17.

Local fixture for Saturday 1st November:

Counties 4 Tribute Ale Somerset North: Chew Valley 3rd XV v Walcot 2nd XV.