Hornets Development XV served up a 14-try feast against Midsomer Norton in the first league match of the season.

Hornets Development XV 84 pts

Midsomer Norton 10 pts

KIERAN Ward’s men served up a 14-try feast against Midsomer Norton and entertained a decent sized crowd in their first league match of the season.

Norton took the lead with an unconverted try, before Balkham score a fantastic solo effort that was converted by Davidson. Hornets extended their lead when they drove a line-out over for Geddes to touch down an unconverted try.

Impressive centre Simmons scored Hornets next try after Xanh had stolen the ball from his opposite number. Xanh got himself on the scoresheet himself after a superb interchange of passing amongst the back line.

Full-back Vinnicombe picked the perfect time to enter the attack as he strolled in for the home side’s fifth try to make the half-time score 27-5.

After the break it was again Norton that struck first with another try. This sparked the Hornets in to life and Balkham scored his second converted try. A close-range scrum led to the easiest of tries for half-back Davidson, that he converted himself.

Fly-half Nicholls was next to score and replacement winger Lewis finished off another flowing attack. Vinnicombe and Xanh grabbed their second five pointers as the tiring Norton defence struggled to cope with Hornets’ devastating wide men.

Balkham bagged his hat-trick try and Davidson added the extras before outstanding centre Vaughan scored Hornets’ final try.

Although the backs scored the majority of the points, there were some top drawer performances in the pack where Baker, Ward, Vivian and Fairhurst all had strong games, but it was the performance of No 8 Nettleton that saw him awarded man of the match.

Hornets 3rd XV 50 pts

Old Morganians 12 pts

CAPTAIN Paul Sheppard gave a rousing pre-match team talk and then led by example, scoring a hat-trick in this season opener thriller.

Superb scrummaging and line-outs from the forwards provided a platform for the backs to work off. The forwards also provided the opening try from Alistair Robertson and later No 8 Ben Briffet crashed over.

The defence was also solid, keeping Old Morganians at bay, plus an intercepted pass, which allowed Josh Coker to run in a try. On the other wing, Arthur Rousell received plenty of ball and scored twice. Tries were converted by Sheppard and Joe Joyce.