Hornets have only lost once at home on their 3G pitch this season and eventually clinched a thrilling 31-24 win, with both sides scoring a try bonus and Avon’s efforts also being rewarded with a losing bonus point. This leaves Avon in a creditable 5th position on completing their campaign in a competitive league.

Hornets made a perfect start as Avon’s kick off went straight into touch in the fierce wind. From the resulting scrum on halfway, a blindside move transferred the ball to the league’s top try scorer Quinton Querl who sidestepped through for his 21st try of the season.

Sensing an opportunity, Hornets again pressurised the visitors line but were repelled by excellent Avon defence, epitomised by Jonny Griffiths and Sam Book. Thereafter, Avon mounted a comeback with increased possession from the pack and emergency prop Ian Burnell cropping up everywhere with a series of thunderous carries across the gain line to deserve the man-of-the-match award. Fly half Tom Boreham also caught the eye with his powerful runs through midfield, whilst Jake Coates threatened in his roving role.

After persistent penalties led to a Hornets yellow card, it was no surprise when Avon’s pressure inside the home 22 led to a penalty try after a powerful scrum surge was collapsed near the line. With Avon enjoying their ascendency up front, scrum half Ollie Flight sniped before presenting a delayed pass to the supporting Ben May who offloaded to number 8 Dan Cousineau, charging through the despairing tackles to score near the posts. Jonny Batchelor, making a welcome return after his wedding, added the extras.

With half time approaching, Hornets reduced the deficit with a converted try from their scrum half to leave Avon with a 14-12 advantage at the interval. With the swirling wind then perhaps in their favour and their pack on top, Avon assumed that they could build on this foundation but instead had a quiet 20 minutes. This allowed a renewed effort from Hornets to score another two tries after a series of forward drives to open up a 10 point lead.

Suddenly Avon responded again as a monstrous forward drive took play deep into the home 22 where Dan Cousineau collected his second try to close the gap to 5 points. With Avon seeking the decisive try, they instead conceded at the other end of the field to threaten no return for their efforts. But their collective competitive spirit shone through as, with the clock in the red, Avon’s pack mounted a final attack down the right before the backs moved the ball wide in the other direction for Coates to touch down their 4th try in the corner to finish on a high note.

Speaking afterwards, Head Coach Kai Harwood said “Thanks to everyone who has helped this season, from the non-playing busy workers behind the scenes to the loyal few supporters and most importantly to the players, It's been a tough season, with some lows but many more highs. It's been a pleasure coaching and I honestly believe this is the beginning of a very good squad, added to the emergence of Ben Hurd’s elite 2nd team. We are heading in the right direction both on and off the field and I am really looking forward to where we can take this Club again.”