Avon Sting Hornets

A beautiful autumn afternoon saw Avon take an early lead as Matt Thresher finished off a silky attack for the opening score. Shortly after, Avon added a second try as Dan Cousineau burst through midfield after a stolen lineout to touch down near the posts. Rob Fitch slotted both conversions as things looked rosy.

However, Hornets showed their danger out wide with 2 converted tries after a kick and chase tactic paid dividends to level the scores. From then on, Avon controlled the game with a monstrous performance from their pack in both the set pieces and in open play. Dan Griffin won the man-of-the-match award with a supercharged display all over the pitch and Xander Hall-Davis showed his power with a series of bullocking charges into the visitors defence, one of which saw him crash over for their 3rd try.

After a couple of massive forward drives, Hornets were forced into conceding a penalty from a deliberate knock on which Fitch converted for a 22-14 lead at the interval.

Hornets realised that they needed to speed up their game and move the ball quickly wide but came unstuck against a committed Avon defence, led by some impressive tackles from Zak Harwood. Meanwhile with Jake Coates and Iain Parris posing a threat in attack, Avon started to launch some sumptuous moves. Twice the ball was swiftly transferred across field from left to right and then back again to stretch the visitors desperate defence and twice these flowing attacks ended in Escher le Duc powering over the try line. Fitch again converted both to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Hornets showed their capability with a try to reduce the deficit from broken play but Avon took the sting out of their attempted comeback with another successful penalty from Fitch after a probing break from Kiddie Sheikh. Then Avon added their 6th try as their scrum drove fully 20 metres inside the opposition 22 before Sheikh pounced for the touchdown. Fitch converted for a 16 point personal haul.

To cap an entertaining game, Hornets scored a consolation try at the end to collect a try bonus point for their efforts.

Afterwards, the Avon players presented some flowers and gifts for Jan Mutlow to mark her many years of service cooking the post-match meals for the teams as she has eventually decided to step down from her voluntary role in the kitchen. On Saturday Avon travel to take on Weston Super Mare United.