HORNETS returned to Somerset Premier League action this week after an enforced break caused by the big freeze and they put in their best performance of the season against Gordano, scoring 12 tries with Paul Sheppard getting an individual haul of 27 points.

HORNETS returned to Somerset Premier League action this week after an enforced break caused by the big freeze and they put in their best performance of the season against Gordano, scoring 12 tries with Paul Sheppard getting an individual haul of 27 points.

Hornets soon took the upper hand. Following a break by flanker Ash Kinchant, Nick Francis took the ball down the blindside where he exchanged passes with Tom Bradley before crossing for the first try. This was converted by Paul Sheppard.

Hornets’ next try came when a kick in their 22 was collected by Matt Cornish, he quickly turned defence into attack with a sublime break before putting Stu Vinnicombe in to score. Soon after, Kinchant smashed through following several phases of play to score the third.

With the side now producing some excellent passages of play the ball carriers were having a field day. Chris Disney in particular ate up the yards and bounced off tackles with several of his trademark runs.

The next try came after another Disney run. The ball was spun out along the line where Sheppard was on hand to claim the bonus point try to give Hornets a 22 point lead. This was soon followed by an excellent try by Adam Vaughan, converted by Sheppard.

From the kick off Phil Hogarth caught the ball, passed to Disney who ran straight through several Gordano forwards towards the line. Unfortunately for him, he was stopped a metre short, but the ball was popped to Sean Kent who scored the sixth try, converted by Sheppard.

The restart was again taken cleanly and this time it was young back row forward Johnny Mitchell who was on hand to make the run for the line. However, the Gordano centre pulled him down by the neck and the referee had no hesitation in awarding the penalty try. Sheppard again added the extras.

At half-time, the sides changed ends with Hornets leading 43-0. They used the break to bring on Neil Chenoweth as replacement for Harry Nash.

They started the second half in the same fashion and just 40 seconds in, Sheppard scored his second and kicked the extras. After the Gordano second row was yellow carded, Hornets opted to run the resultant penalty and Vinnicombe finished off a fine move with his second try in the corner.

Moments later there was a lengthy stoppage in play, caused by a neck injury to Johnny Mitchell, who was unable to play any further part. He was replaced by Dave Geddes and Sam Lloyd-Jones was also introduced in place of Harry Simmonds.

Another Hornets attack led to a penalty being awarded, which was taken quickly, on this occasion Francis passed to prop Sonny Haines who crashed over from five yards. Sheppard kicked the conversion.

Sheppard completed his hat-trick when the forwards turned over the ball, and it was spun out for Sheppard to round his man and score out wide.

Winning several penalties in the Gordano 22, it was the third one which saw the final score. Taken quickly by Francis, he popped to Hogarth, who ran through the defence for a try. This was converted by Lloyd-Jones for a final score of 74-0.

On Saturday there is the final game before Christmas, with Tor visiting Hutton Moor. Kick-off is 2.30pm and a big crowd is expected.