NORTH BRISTOL continued their winning streak against league newcomers Avon to keep pace with leaders Barton Hill.

The continuing recent rain led to a soggy pitch as the sides met for the first time in league rugby.

The home side didn’t enjoy the best of starts with Avon clinching the opening points when their winger pounced on a speculative kick ahead whilst North’s defence dozed.

The turgid conditions were making things hard for both sides, especially goal-kicking, as North Bristol and Avon missed penalties.

North Bristol’s forward play began to take effect in the second quarter and after strong carries from Nigel Smith and John Wood space was created for Antony Jelf, who ghosted over from ten metres to score underneath the posts.

Josh Davies slotted the conversion and North were ahead 7-5, a lead that they would never relinquish for the remainder of the game.

In the second half, Alex Cue’s side dominated possession and territory, proving that they are on top of their game at the moment.

Props Alex Flannigan, playing his 100th league game for North Bristol, and the superb Wes Reed led the charge.

Reed scored North’s second try when he finished off some brutal forward play to crash over.

With Avon creaking under pressure Davies was on hand to slot two penalty chances to move North 18-5 ahead.

With the game nearing its end a good move from a lineout unleashed centre Simon Mortimer, whose burst set up Antony Jelf for his second try of the game and Davies converted.

North head coach Wayne Thompson was pleased with his side’s eighth consecutive win and praised Reed and Chris Jelf, who had a fine game in the second row.

On Saturday, North Bristol are at home to Matson in the first round of the RFU Intermediate Cup.

North Bristol scorers: Tries – Antony Jelf (2), Wes Reed; Conversions – Josh Davies (2); Penalties – Josh Davies (2).