Hornets 18 pts Cullompton 33 pts - CULLOMPTON brought their all-conquering side to Hutton Moor, no doubt expecting an easy victory, but it was not to be.

Hornets 18 ptsCullompton 33 ptsCULLOMPTON brought their all-conquering side to Hutton Moor, no doubt expecting an easy victory, but it was not to be.Unbeaten in the league this season and already through to the EDF Energy Vase final at Twickenham and finalists in the Devon County Cup, the visitors were set back on their heels when Hornets went into an early lead, thanks to Sam Lloyd-Jones' penalty and an interception try by Darren Griffiths, converted by Lloyd-Jones.Hornets pack were giving the Cullompton eight a difficult time in set pieces, but once the ball was spread wide, the Devon side looked dangerous. Russ Toms reduced the deficit with a penalty and then scored a fine individual try.Another converted try scored by Chim Gale, converted by Toms, made the half-time score 15-10 to the visitors.Turning around with the winds in their favour, the home supporters feared the worst, but Lloyd-Jones kicked another penalty, in spite of a second try by Gale. Hornets gave the league champions a torrid time, especially in the loose, where the tactic of pick and drive was proving successful.Following a period of intense pressure on the Cullompton line, Greg Speller went over in the corner and with their lead now down to only five points, Cullompton were rattled. It came as some relief when another Toms penalty and a late converted try took them clear.This was an excellent performance by Hornets, in particular the pack, who gave the Cullompton eight all sorts of problems for the majority of the game. Considering Hornets were missing several regular first-team players, they could be well pleased with their performance against a side, who will be playing at a higher level next season.A special mention for acting captain Paul Morrissey who had an outstanding match in defence and attack.