Hornets got back to winning ways with a fine victory over Chard.

Hornets 36 pts

Chard 7 pts

HORNETS got themselves back to winning ways with a superb all-round display against a strong Chard side, who had only been beaten once prior to this match.

Hornets burst out of the blocks and found themselves 5-0 up within two minutes. The try came from a line-out which provided early ball for Jack Gadd to crash into the defence.

The ball was recycled and this time it was Grimes on the crash ball. Letherby spread the ball wide, Gadd drew his man and offloaded to Jones to finish in the corner.

Chard responded through their strong pack, but Hornets were able to relieve the pressure and again release their backs. Gadd again made useful yards and his pass found Cornish whose break left the defence flat-footed to give Hornets a 10-0 lead.

From the re-start Hornets immediately struck again. Hogarth gathered cleanly and broke the initial tackles to stride over halfway. The pack secured quick ball and Cornish again made a clean break, this time setting up Jones to race around the defence and touch down under the posts.

Hornets were now playing their best rugby of the campaign so far. Disney made a smart break and found support from Littlewood. He was pulled down with the line at his mercy, but quick ball saw the ball spread to Joe Gadd, who unselfishly spread it wider to brother Jack to cross for his first senior try for the club.

Hornets now had their fourth and the bonus point try within the first 20 minutes.

Almost inevitably Chard started to claw their way back into the game, but Hornets’ defending was organised and solid, led by Joe Gadd who had a massive game at the breakdown which saw him win five turnovers.

One such turnover allowed Hornets to keep the score board ticking over with Gaulton slotting a penalty for a 23-0 lead.

Chard did eventually get on the score board when Littlewood found himself in the sin bin. The visitors elected for a scrum and the extra man proved decisive with the referee awarding a penalty try.

With half time approaching, Hornets registered another Gaulton penalty and finished the half with a 26-7 lead.

The second half started positively for Hornets. Parker took a clean catch at the line-out and was able to surge over the line. Joe Gadd won a turnover penalty and Chase reacted quickly to take a tap penalty.

He strode clear and offloaded to Joe Gadd who immediately found Gaulton in support and he crashed over for his first try for the first team.

Harris and Cheeseborough put in sterling performances in defence and the stand out forward towards the end was Gould.

The final score of 36-7 was impressive against one of the league’s strongest sides and provides Hornets with the confidence needed to confirm that they are able to compete against the sides expected to finish at the top end of the league.

Hornets must now take this form on the road and keep the momentum going when they visit Sidmouth on Saturday.