Hornets’ Development XV enjoyed a resounding victory over neighbours Cheddar.

Hornets Development XV 65 pts

Cheddar Valley 3 pts

A LARGE crowd gathered to watch this eagerly anticipated local derby between league leaders Hornets and third-placed Cheddar.

It was Hornets who made off with all five points after a polished performance saw them demolish Cheddar by 11 tries to nil in a game that was well refereed.

Excellent footwork by full-back Wheller took him clear and he offloaded for Xanh to scorch over for a superb opening score. Dorrington converted to put Hornets 7-0 up.

The second try came after Hallett-Fairhurst’s clean take at a line-out enabled Hornets powerful pack to charge over the line with No 8 Nettleton claiming the score.

There were further tries for Hallett-Fairhurst and Vinnicombe and just before the break, Sheppard kicked a penalty deep into Cheddar territory and the Hornets pack did the rest.

An accurate throw from Ward found Nettleton and the ensuing drive allowed Hallett-Fairhurst to dot down his second try of the afternoon, converted by Sheppard for a 29-0 lead at the break.

The second period saw Hornets’ scrum take control and Nettleton set up Vinnicombe for his second try that Sheppard converted. Cheddar hit back immediately with a penalty goal to score their only points of the afternoon.

A break by Wheller led to Vaughan crash over, converted by Sheppard. Good work by Rukhadze and Dorrington set up Hallett-Fairhurst for his hat-trick, again converted by Sheppard.

With 10 minutes remaining, Hornets produced the try of the day. From deep inside their own territory, good passing by Wheller, Sheridan, Vinnicombe and Speller set up Dorrington to cross for a brilliant team try.

Sheppard grabbed Hornets’ 10th try, followed by a second for Vaughan to finish off the scoring for the day.

This was easily Hornets best performance of the season, Vivian and Ward were outstanding at loosehead and hooker, while Grimes and Donegan did a sterling job sharing the tighthead role, but the GBRS Recruitment man of the match was Hallett-Fairhurst.