The 4G pitch encouraged a fast and furious style of rugby with 10 tries throughout the match but, with the blustery wind, also resulted in a disjointed performance with little discernible control at times.

An early Avon attack saw livewire scrum half Alex Gapper score the opening try from a blindside scrum break. Jonny Batchelor missed the tricky conversion, which was notable as he didn’t miss another kick all match as he slotted 5 subsequent conversions from all angles of the pitch as well as putting in a couple of tremendous last ditch tackles.

Hornets immediately levelled the scores after a mesmerising run from their dangerous centre created space for a try on the left wing. Undeterred, Avon struck back again as Matt Thresher chipped ahead after another Gapper break and was rewarded for his perseverance as he followed up his kick to touch down his first try for the 1st team. In a game which ebbed and flowed, Hornets responded with their second try after a powerful lineout drive from their bulky pack.

With Will Hayward being forced to leave the field, Avon introduced Xander Davis off the bench which immediately paid dividends as his powerful running started to suck in defenders and create more space. Man of the match, Lucas Pratt, made a couple of bursts through the midfield defence to set up enterprising attacks and soft hands from Kane Book put brother Sam through on a great line to score under the posts. Chaz Meddick then got into try scoring mode either side of half time as he sandwiched a pushover try just before the interval before showing huge power to squirm over the try line for his second try just after the break.

Again Hornets hit back with another try to take advantage of some slipshod tackling in midfield but, with yellow cards for 2nd row combination Xander Davis and Ian Monachino-Ayres, Avon were forced to show their defensive prowess to hold out the home attacks. Returning to 15 players and bringing on replacements Connor Chamney and Will Ayres, Avon again made good ground as a multi-phased attack eventually saw Chris Mutlow touch down in the corner.

With the result beyond doubt, Avon tried an adventurous move from deep inside their 22 before a dropped pass was gleefully seized upon to give Hornets a deserved bonus point for their fourth try of an entertaining match.

Avon face local rivals Oldfield on Saturday who will be looking for revenge following their defeat last week by Avon in the Bath Combination cup.