Hornets Colts enjoyed a 27-12 win at Avonmouth to stretch their lead at the top of the table.

Avonmouth Old Boys 12 pts

Hornets Colts 27 pts

HORNETS Colts stretched their lead at the top of table to 16 points with a hard-fought win at Avonmouth.

The home team were much strengthened from the side beaten just 12 days previously, and put in a performance that belied their bottom of the table position.

Indeed, from the kick-off, it took five minutes before a Hornets player got hold of the ball, when a Gareth Brock break ended with Aedan Coleman adjudged to have knocked on instead of grounding for a try.

From the resulting scrum, the visitors regained possession, and following a number of phases, Jacob Swain scored his first try of the season in the corner.

A spell of sustained pressure, a series of penalties and a yellow card made the second try a question of time, and it came courtesy of Oli Coppage powering over from another penalty.

Kicking opportunities for Jack Osborne were difficult all evening, but he converted to make the score 12-0. Avonmouth were beginning to lose their discipline, and were reduced to 13 men with another yellow, and Brock took full advantage with a try before half-time.

The bonus point was secured five minutes into the second half when Swain scored his second try of the night. Arguably the best score of the night came when Jacob Hill finished off a move, which sandwiched two Avonmouth consolation tries.

The season has been played as a squad game, and once again, all 22 players played their part. The victory was described by coach Andy Fido as the best performance of the season.

Unfortunately, the side is short of funds for the remainder of the season. If anyone is interested in supporting these lads, please contact Andy Locker on 07801 091970, who will be happy to discuss options.