MINETY’S run of losses in Dorset & Wilts One North was extended to three on Saturday when they were taught a harsh lesson in finishing at second-placed Avonvale.

The Bath outfit ran in nine tries to inflict a heavy 57-3 defeat on a patched-up Minety, although the visitors did enjoy their share of possession and territory, especially in a second half when they were camped on the Avonvale line for long periods.

Much of Avonvale’s success was built on their handling and speed of attack. Minety were forced to defend their line in the first minute and the hosts opened the scoring with a well-worked try as the ball was moved across the width of the pitch from a lineout.

Minety captain Andrew Hibbard looked to have broken through for an equalising try soon afterwards, but play was brought back for a foot in touch.

The visitors’ attempts to attack cost them dear midway through the half when Avonvale gathered a loose ball in midfield and broke free for a converted try beneath the posts.

Minety attempted to strike back and Jack Howse, Matt Stone and Colin French were all held up by a resolute home defence.

Avonvale’s third try came around the half-hour mark when a Minety chip over the home defence was caught and returned at pace, with a touchdown run in from halfway.

Will Mason got Minety on the scoreboard soon afterwards with a long-range penalty.

Avonvale ended the half strongly, with two tries in stoppage time. The first came via a pushover from a scrum, with the second run in after play had broken down in midfield.

The villagers were reduced to 14 players in the opening minute of the second half when Howse picked up a leg injury and no players were available to replace him.

Avonvale capitalised on the advantage, plundering two tries in quick succession.

Minety refused to roll over and a run from Del Murray was taken on by Hibbard before Ned Lockwood was held up over the line.

A mazy run by Mason was halted on the Avonvale 22 and when Hibbard caught the clearance and ran it back, it seemed certain that Minety would score, but Stone and Chris Rule were unable to breach the defensive line.

Minety’s chances of salvaging anything from the match went with 10 minutes to go when Ben Langridge and Jay Thompson both suffered injuries.

Desperately tired and outnumbered, the visitors were unable to hold out and Avonvale finished the game with two further tries to wrap up a convincing win.

There was better news for Pewsey Vale as they claimed just a third league win of the season with a 41-19 success at home to bottom side Supermarine.

Calne were crushed 34-3 at home by Melksham, while Sutton Benger’s home game against Royal Wootton Bassett 2nd was abandoned.