Hornets host Barnstaple in National Two West

Having travelled to Barnstaple in a monsoon early in the campaign, they were looking forward to reciprocating the favour to the newly-promoted side.

And that is what they did, as Hornets came out winners by five tries to four and picked up a valuable five league points to move up to fourth in National Two West.

The day, however, was marred by the serious injury to skipper Kieran Ward and all at Hornets wish Kieran a speedy recovery, and also to Zac Combstock who suffered a similar injury in the seconds match away at Burnham.

In spring-like sunshine, Hornets knew they had to start well, and after only three minutes Corey Baker had scored the first try, converted by Jack Gapper after fast, surging attacking play.

Almost from the restart, Hornets had a lineout on halfway and Joachim Hullah delivered the ball to James Murray and Gapper put Sonny Davis through a gap and the ever-impressive Davis scorched over the line untouched for an easy conversion for Gapper.

Barnstaple, via their large forwards, were beginning to get a foothold.

Their classic catch and drive at the lineout was working well and when they released their backline, they efficiently scored in the corner and then converted.

Again after 27 minutes, a catch and drive lineout try for the pack levelled the scores.

Ward suffered his injury as Hornets went looking for the final score of the half but just fell short and both sides went in for a breather at 14-14.

The second half started as it had finished and Hornets were imposing themselves and after a series of rucks, Baker spotted a gap and stormed over.

Again it was an easy kick for Gapper and Hornets had regained the lead.

After 52 minutes the hosts, through their front row of Alex Hawkins, Callum Lane and Tom Read, had their opposite number in trouble and won a penalty from a scrum which Gapper extended the lead with.

Again on 57 minutes, Barnstaple went back to plan A and a catch and drive lineout resulted in another score for them and the gap closed to five points after the missed conversion.

Two minutes later and following a clearance kick by Charlie Carter, Barnstaple's Fijian flanker attacked at pace.

But he not only came up against impressive Hornets defence but also lost the ball in contact.

The Hornets attack was alert to the ball hitting the ground and cleverly chipped forward for electric winger Josh Sheppard to collect the kick and round under the posts for an easy kick for Gapper.

Hornets again eked a penalty out of the visitors but this time the kick sailed just wide and Barnstaple sensed a chance and attacked as they do with power.

This led to a try on 72 minutes - another unsurprising lineout catch and drive - and a bonus point at least for the visitors - and they were now within seven points.

Gapper again slotted a penalty kick which removed the losing bonus point for Barnstaple before right at the end, stand-in skipper Connor Vickery was on hand as Adam Francis slipped him the ball out of the back of his hand for a straightforward kick to complete the match.

Hornets 41 Barnstaple 24.

Hornets continue their impressive form at the Nest and gain revenge for their away defeat earlier in the season.

The games now come thick and fast as next week they travel to Cinderford for another hard-fought encounter.