THE Hornets team that travelled to Chew Valley saw eight changes from that which won the top of the table clash the week before.

Hornets got off to a great start straight from the kick-off. Gary Higgins received the ball from a ruck and set up Stuart Vinnicombe to cross for a 5-0 lead.

Hornets were dealt a blow after quarter of an hour when they lost Higgins to injury, Paul Sheppard replacing him. Just before the break, Hornets were dealt a further double blow when they thought they had crossed for another score, only to be denied by the referee and awarded a penalty.

It also became clear that Phil Hogarth had received a blow to head which resulted in him coming off for treatment to a cut head. Sam Lloyd-Jones was successful with the kick and stretched the lead to 8-0, soon followed by another penalty for a 11-0 half-time lead.

Hornets started the second half strongly and following a ruck on halfway, the ball spun out to Matt Vaughan, who hit a gap and ran in for the second try.

However, within five minutes Chew Valley had pulled back a try. Hornets struck back straightaway when then drove to the line before the ball was spun out for Vaughan to cross for his second. Lloyd-Jones was successful with the extras.

With 15 minutes left, Hornets made a couple changes. Harry Nash came on for Neil Chenoweth and John Ferguson replaced Stuart Vinnicombe. The impact of this was almost immediate as Ferguson crossed for a try. Hornets now had their bonus point and a commanding lead in the game.

With less than 10 minutes to play, Hornets were reduced to 14 following Sheppard being shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock on. This took the sting out of the match and although Hornets continued to press, there was no further scoring.

On Saturday, the team are home to Taunton IIs, kick-off is 3pm.