Head Coach Jon Richardson says Hornets are “ready to fight” to maintain their perfect start to the season in their top of the table clash with Exeter University on Saturday.

The two sides are the only teams in the South West Premier to hold 100 per cent records with 10 wins from 10, and 12 from 12 in all competitions.

But it is the students, who have notched 436 points from their ton of games so far, who lead the division with 50 points, four ahead of Hornets in second.

But Richardson insists they will do whatever it takes to keep their run going when the take to the field at The Nest at 3pm.

“We’re under no illusions whatsoever about how much of a battle it will be to maintain this perfect start but we are ready to fight for it,” he said.

“The boys have been looking forward to this one for some time so we’re all excited for this Saturday!

“We’ve just got to worry about us, so we’ll approach them the same as everyone else. We won’t be making special plans for them.”

Weston Mercury: Action from Hornets' match with Drybrook at Mannings Ground.Action from Hornets' match with Drybrook at Mannings Ground. (Image: Gary Taylor)

It could be seen as unlucky number 13 when Hornets take to the field.

But when you look in more detail during that time you realise just what a special place it is at the moment for Richardson and his side.

They have set a club record start for the most wins from the beginning of any campaign.

And they have made great strides in Cup competitions this season, with both wins coming in the space of four days of each other.

The first, a 72-19 win over Barton Hill in the delayed 2019/20 Bristol Combination Cup on Thursday 11 November before beating Old Redcliffians 30-17 in the first round of the Somerset Cup on Sunday 15 November.

When asked if they could believe the run they had been on, he added: “No to tell the truth. There’s no way we were expecting this run but we know how much of a threat Exeter University will pose on Saturday and we’ll have to be on top form to keep it going.

“They have been scoring points at will and have so far been pretty untouchable so we can’t wait to test ourselves against the top dogs.”