Hornets stretched their lead at the top of the Western Counties North with a 50-0 victory over North Bristol.

Hornets 50 pts

North Bristol 0 pts

HORNETS scored six tries in a first-half that saw them dominate in all areas to move 14 points clear at the top of Western Counties North.

With the bonus point arriving in the 27th minute, it was just rewards for all the hard work that had gone into making the pitch playable.

When the rains returned in the second half, the requisite 60 minutes had been played and with the result a forgone conclusion, the referee ended the match early.

Hornets took the game to North Bristol from the off and soon took the lead when Cornish scored the first of his hat-trick after good work by Disney and Speller. Jones added the extras and from the restart, Hogarth collected the kick and fed Griffiths, who offloaded to Chase to run in from 45 metres.

As the first quarter came to a close, Hornets turned over the ball in North Bristol’s 22 and quick hands from the half backs found Gadd who used his strength to force his way over.

As North Bristol looked to get into the home side’s half and relieve some pressure, a long clearance kick found Hogarth. He made his way to the opposition 22 and passed to Disney to scamper over the bonus point try.

Chase was back on the scoresheet five minutes after a drive from the pack, converted by Jones. The last play of the half saw Hornets turn over North Bristol ball in their 22 and Cornish found the gap and went over for his second of the afternoon under the posts. Jones added the extras with the home side turning round 36-0 to the good.

After the break, Hornets turned the ball over and Kinchant set off at pace and offloaded to Hewlett to touch down under the posts, converted by Leatherby. North Bristol kept putting the home side under pressure and this was compounded when Griffiths received a yellow card for a ruck infringement.

It was Hornets’ turn to defend as the visitors tried in vain to convert pressure into points. As the rain started to lash down and with Hornets back up to full strength, North Bristol kept the pressure on with deep kicks into Hornets 22.

One such kick was fielded by Speller as he moved infield, the underfoot conditions and some confusion between him and Vinnicombe saw the ball turned over. However, Hornets regained the ball and Cornish was on hand to score his third try of the afternoon under the posts. Leatherby added the extras as the referee ended the game for the home side to finish 50-0 to the good.

It was good to see both sides trying to play entertaining rugby in difficult conditions. The home side endeavoured to stick with their expansive style of rugby regardless, scoring eight tries, with six from the backs in such conditions is no mean feat.

On Saturday, Bristol Harlequins are the visitors to The Nest (2.30pm). The game will be preceded by the club’s ladies’ day lunch. All wives, girlfriends and/or mums wishing to attend, please contact the club on 621433.