Playing with the advantage of their 3G artificial pitch, the first half was played at great pace and intensity. With very few set pieces, the ball-in-play time was significantly higher than usual and Hornets utilised this to great effect with their fast tempo game.

Keeping the ball alive with continuous recycling, Hornets were ruthless in attack scoring 5 tries during this first period with their relentless attacks. Avon did well to score a penalty try after one monstrous forward drive and were only denied a second as the ball was stripped from Tom Boreham’s grasp as he burst over the try line.

Hornets have run up some cricket scores at home this season and a lesser team than Avon would have wilted after the first half onslaught. However Avon took the game by the scruff of the neck, outscoring their opponents by 3 tries to 1 in the second half.

Avon’s pack gradually gained the ascendency as their front row, led by skipper Kane Book, started to turn the screw. This momentum allowed powerful runners like Xander Davis and Dan Cousineau to make inroads. This was then exploited by the Avon backs as they started to gain in confidence. The fightback started when Boreham fielded a monstrous attacking kick and neatly offloaded to Jake Coates who swept through to touch down. Jonny Batchelor slotted the conversion.

Inspired by this, Avon further reduced the deficit as a powerful lineout drive saw Oscar McCormack emerge from the pile of bodies to score his first try for the Club.

Hornets showed their continuing danger as they worked an overlap to score in the corner but Avon immediately hit back again as another majestic drive resulted in Cousineau crossing for his 9th try of the season to collect the try bonus. Seeking to also pick up a losing bonus point, Avon had two excellent chances from attacking lineouts inside the home 22 but were denied by committed defence.

Next week Avon look forward to returning to the more traditional grass pitches at Hicks Field as they host Yatton.