With their regular half-back pairing unavailable, the unfamiliar combination of skipper Kai Harwood at scrum- half and Damian Sawyer at number ten took up the challenge of steering Avon through a difficult fixture that they eventually lost 15-3.
Avon faced an early onslaught from the large Hornets pack but their well- organised defence and high workrate kept out the high-flying visitors. With the Avon set-piece functioning well, the hosts soon started to cause Hornets some problems of their own but, as both defences cancelled each other out, the first half ended scoreless.
Zak Harwood slotted a penalty within two minutes of the restart to give Avon the lead but this prompted a change of tactics from Hornets, who decided to open the game up and were rewarded by a good try from Bradley.
Without a recognised touch kicker, Avon had to work hard for every yard of territory and were unlucky not to regain the lead when Harwood's second penalty attempt sailed just wide.
Hornets then demonstrated why they are top of the table with ten minutes to go as they increased the pressure and were rewarded with a try from Chase following a well-worked catch and drive.
Avon were denied a losing bonus point in the fourth minute of injury time when Hornets grabbed another try following an effective drive.
Although disappointed to come away empty-handed, Avon were pleased with the way their unfamiliar line-up competed and are looking forward to the return of a number of their long-term injured players in the near future.