Hornets’ development team defeated Chew Valley in a top of the table clash.

Chew Valley 18 pts

Hornets Dev XV 32 pts

HORNETS’ development side travelled to Chew Valley for a top of the table encounter that would go a long way in deciding the title.

The visitors elected to play up the slope and against the wind in a fiercely contested first-half. Chew started the stronger and took the lead with an unconverted try.

Hornets continued to be put under pressure, but a break from captain Kieran Ward saw Hornets at their best. Sean Disney was on hand to deliver a short ball to the impressive Steve Thompson to score, Connor Davidson converted to make the score 5-7.

Chew came straight back and after a mix-up in defence, they scored again. A further Chew penalty made the score 13-7.

On the half-hour, Thompson picked up a loose ball before showing his searing pace to register his second try, duly converted by Davidson.

After the break, Hornets had their best period of the game, forcing a string of penalties, one of which Ward elected to scrum following a yellow card to the Chew No 8.

The ball was quickly moved to Thompson, who rounded his opposite number to complete his hat-trick. Almost straight from the restart, Hornets are awarded a penalty for a high tackle that Davidson kicked for a 22-13 lead.

Another penalty saw a quick tap and go and Ward’s huge mis-pass to Carter saw the flying winger score in the corner. As 80 minutes approached, Carter intercepted Chew’s ball before showing some fancy footwork to race clear and score in the corner.

The final whistle seemed to take forever to blow, and in the 95th minute, Chew scored a consolation try to make the final score 18-32.