Yet the impression was that it could have been so much better as Avon pounded their opponents line for long periods, earning a succession of penalties but failed to make the vital breakthrough from the chances created.

Rob Fitch, acting as an emergency scrum half, gave Avon a good start with an early penalty but Hornets immediately responded from the restart. A speculative kick down field and a kindly bounce was well gathered by the supporting player to touch down under the posts for a converted try.

It was clear that Avon had the upper hand in the forward exchanges, making ground from surging line out drives and powerful scrums which forced numerous penalties. Eventually another forward drive towards the line resulted in Fitch forcing his way over for a try to regain the lead.

Meanwhile Hornets were always dangerous on the counter attack with some elusive runners in their back line. After a lovely catch and run from number 8 Dan Cousineau broke down with a fumbled pass on the wing, the Hornets full back scorched through from half way for another converted try. This was followed by another try out wide as Hornets all too easily created an overlap from first phase line out possession.

Avon came back strongly with powerful surges in midfield from Tom Boreham and Zak Harwood leading the way, only to be denied by strong defence. Yet Hornets escaped and were next to score a fortuitous try which the match video later revealed to be a clear a knock on. This gave the sea-siders their bonus point try and a healthy 26 points to 8 lead with half time approaching.

Eventually Avon’s pressure paid off after multiple forward drives saw Cousineau burst through out wide to touch down with Fitch adding the extras just before the interval.

Young prop Oscar Cormack came off the bench and made an impressive contribution with his energy in broken play, whilst also putting in some excellent tackles. Shortly after being held up over the line after a series of powerful close range drives, soft hands from skipper Kane Book released Xander Davis who cut a great line to stroll over for his 7th try of the season. Fitch again converted to close the deficit to 4 points.

By this stage, Hornets were being subjected to a barrage of attacks with Josh Hiscott sucking in the defence with his power and dexterity and Escher Le Duc making a welcome return in midfield. Hornets were restricted to breakout opportunities and pragmatically slotted 2 long range penalties to open up a 10 point lead.

The final 10 minutes saw Avon once again camped inside the visitors 22 where Hornets increasing penalty count eventually saw their flanker yellow carded after numerous transgressions in the red zone. Although Avon desperately sought the try to collect bonus points, Hornets defence stood firm to close out the game.

On Saturday, Avon host Tor at Hicks Field.