Hornets defeated Clevedon 42-9 in the local derby to record their first victory in the league.

HORNETS 42 pts

CLEVEDON 9 pts

AFTER last week’s defeat, Hornets had some lessons to learn in advance of one of the biggest local derbies to be played at The Nest in recent years.

This performance confirmed that Hornets are capable of learning the lessons needed and the result announced their arrival as a competitive force in South West Division 1.

Clevedon started strongly, but Hornets’ first sortie into the Clevedon half saw them awarded a penalty which Disney slotted over. Another quickly followed and Hornets took a 6-0 lead after seven minutes, before Clevedon replied with one penalty.

On 15 minutes, Cornish made the first of several breaks for the afternoon. He made good ground and when tackled support was on hand from the forwards to ensure the ball was quickly recycled.

Disney elected to go down the blind side and quick hands from Letherby released Carter, who stormed over in the corner to put Hornets 11-3 up.

Clevedon responded well and fly-half Will Carpenter scored with a drop goal. Hornets were quickly back on the attack and a penalty was awarded at a scrum and they elected to kick for the corner.

The subsequent line-out was secured and a driving maul saw Clevedon pushed backwards and Kent was able to break from the back of the maul to crash over in the corner. Clevedon responded with a penalty to make the score 16-9.

Following another break from Cornish, a penalty was awarded at the breakdown and Clevedon were reduced to 14 men due to a yellow card. Hornets elected for the scrum and a penalty try was awarded as the Clevedon pack were shoved backwards. The conversion from Disney gave Hornets a useful 23-9 lead.

The second half started as the first ended, with Hornets applying increasing pressure. A line-out led to another driving maul and this time Kinchant dived over to extend the lead to 28-9.

The killer blow soon followed as Cornish picked up the ball just inside the Clevedon half. His searing pace saw him break through the first line of defence and he then outpaced the covering defence and score between the posts. With the conversion the score was now 35-9.

Despite breaks from Parker, Bradley and Cornish, the Clevedon defence hung on until the closing five minutes when a Disney try was converted by Gaulton.

A final score of 42-9 saw Hornets register a convincing bonus point win over their neighbours and sets them up nicely for next week’s tough away trip to Coney Hill.

Hornets 3rd XV 14 pts

Taunton 3rd XV 43 pts

THE third lost their first game of the season after being promoted last season.

After 10 minutes, Taunton opened the scoring with an unconverted try, followed by another shortly after. Hooker Sean Davidson was pushed over the line for Hornets’ first try, converted by fly-half Paul Sheppard.

Taunton attacked from deep again to score, once again the conversion was missed, finishing the half 7-15 up.

After the break, Taunton continued to dominate at the breakdown and slick passing and support saw them score two more converted tries. Hornets responded with a try for Mark Millman, again converted by Sheppard.

Taunton continued their running and offloading game to secure two more converted tries to finish the game.