A HAT-TRICK of tries by in-form wing Matty Mercer crowned a proficient Pewsey performance as their dominating forward play and pace in the backs proved too strong in their Dorset & Wilts One North clash.

Played in driving rain in the early stages, the forward battle in open play was nip and tuck and Avonvale were first on the scoreboard when number eight George Hobbs was over for a try following a quick penalty, converted by centre Joe Vowles.

Pewsey, dominant in the set piece, hit back on 20 minutes as Mercer was in for the first of his tries, courtesy of flanker Chris Spence’s pass.

After another close-range scrum, number eight Phil Vallis touched down, converted by centre James Haynes.

As the second half progressed Pewsey imposed control in all areas of the pitch and Mercer was in for the first score of the periodwith a trademark dash on the wide outside, converted by Haynes.

Pewsey continued to pressure and were rewarded in the last 15 minutes with a brace of tries from James Haynes, his first from a kick and chase to score in the corner, and the second from a jinking run to the posts, adding the conversion himself..

Mercer finished off with his hat-trick score, scrum-half Tom Haynes attempting the final unsuccessful conversion in his final match before loving to the USA to play his rugby with Pittsburgh RFC.

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