Hornets Colts made a winning start to the season, with a 38-29 success over Burnham.

Hornets Colts started the season in fine form against Burnham, running out 38-29 winners.

Hornets started well and Bate collected Humphris’ perfect starter kick and Hornets were on the front foot. Great defence by a scrambling Burnham kept Hornets out, but a penalty right in front of goal was an easy kick for Humphris.

Hornets kept up the intensity and when Haynes collected the line-out, Solomon set off his backs and Turner stormed over, converted by Humphris.

Burnham replied with a penalty kick of their own before they worked a good try to draw level. Hornets reacted and a quick tap by Solomon found the rampaging Bate to burst over, converted by Humphris.

Good interplay by junior colts Middleton, Hitchens and Mann led to another penalty. This time Holyday was on hand to score, converted by Humphris.

Hornets allowed plenty of replacements to give everyone some game time, which disrupted things a bit, but when Bate made another break, the ball spun along the line and Wall was strong enough to finish.

Burnham threw the kitchen sink at Hornets and some weak tackling allowed Burnham three tries, before Hornets closed out the game with a good try to clinch victory. Coe linked up with Taylor and when he was stopped, Bate collected to go over and seal the win.