Hornets brought the curtain down on an outstanding South West Premier season with a 38-35 win at Ivybridge in their final league game.

Jordan Humphris led the team out on his 50th appearance but It didn’t start too well for Hornets as Ivy raced into an early 7-0 lead.

The hosts, in front of their large vocal crowd, forced another mistake by the visitors and a penalty kick put them further ahead.

Hornets began to assert their authority and a couple of yellow cards for the hosts, and after a scrum on halfway, the ball was shipped efficiently and Charlie Carter got some points on the board with a fine try.

However, from the restart an infringement and a penalty kick to Ivy saw them pull further ahead.

Hornets stepped up the pressure and after Erik Luczka made a break, supported by the ever-present Corbin Thunder, Harry Lyon went over in the corner.

The second half continued like the first with some expansive quick rugby on show from both sides but it was Ivy who got the first score.

Ozzy James then intercepted a pass on halfway and sped off to go under the posts for an easy conversion for Carter.

Ivy got another before half-centurion Dec Dorrington got his hand on the ball after it spurted out of the scrum to touch down, with Carter converting.

However, Carter then received a yellow card and a penalty put Ivy clear again before captain Matt Parker barged over for a try converted by Humphris.

There was still enough time for two more tries and the lead swung back and forth as Ivy scored a good try before Hornets had one more go and inched their way upfield.

After winning a penalty, Parker asked Humphris to put the ball in the corner and Kieran Ward's accurate throw in found Mua Inoke, who got his hands on the ball at the back of a maul.

The Hornets pack moved efficiently forward and when the line was available Inoke dived over and Carter's conversion brought the thrilling game to an end.

Hornets finish a remarkable campaign in third behind Old Redcliffans and champions Exeter University and get a chance for Somerset Cup victory when they take on Wellington at Bridgwater tonight (Thursday) at 7.30pm.