Although missing 7 regular choices and with several players appearing in unfamiliar positions – including skipper Scott Book at fly half – their handling and support play was outstanding and resulted in 8 tries against the despairing visitors defence.

Chaz Meddick opened the scoring with a powerful drive over the try line in the early stages before a thrilling burst from livewire scrum half Alex Gapper on halfway found Lucas Pratt on an excellent support run to touch down near the posts. A fluent handling movement involving Meddick, chairman Ian Monochino-Ayres and Xander Davis, then freed up space which Gapper used to great effect to finish off their third try.

Fielding 7 back row forwards amongst the pack and backs, Avon’s off-loading game constantly kept Hornets guessing and it was no surprise when they added the bonus point try before half time as Jonny Batchelor crossed out wide. His third successful conversion gave Avon a comfortable 26-0 lead at the interval, which they immediately extended after the restart as a line out catch and drive saw Ben Hurd emerge from the pile of bodies for his first try of the season.

Another powerful forward drive sucked in the Hornets defence before the ball was moved wide to Pratt to switch inside for his second try. Having had running repairs on a head wound, hooker Sam Book scored the next try after Gapper had burst through from quick line out ball. Constant recycling and support work then led to Ian Burnell taking route 1 before eventually being hauled down but the ball was again swiftly moved to the blindside where JJ Pulvertaft scored their final try. Batchelor added his 7th conversion to finish with a personal tally of 19 points.

Afterwards, avid touchline supporter Mike Butcher who was celebrating his 40 years with the club said “It’s a pleasure to watch this side produce a performance like that, particularly with so many players showing their versatility and should create some selection problems when the unavailable players return to action.”