Having coughed and spluttered on three cylinders for most of the season, Hornets finally sparked into life yesterday - and what a performance it was. Sheffield rode into town as tricky try-hards and left as roadkill on the front of the unstoppable Hornets juggernaut that blasted in for 12 unanswered tries.

Having had the audacity to take the lead with a dodgy penalty in the 5th minute, their constructive contribution was over as Hornets went into overdrive.

First to the line was Matt Calland. Smith jinking and twisting through the Eagles defence to find his captain on his shoulder at close quarters. Then a great try. Good passing in heavy traffic worked the ball to Ayres, his 30 yard cutout pass found Brendan O'Meara who turned his opposite number inside out with an immaculate dummy to score on the quarter mark.

In contrast, Richard Pachniuk's try four minutes later was a one yard burrowing effort through a sleeping defence.

On the next visit into the Eagles half, neat passing between Smith and Ball found Warren Ayres in space. He in turn found Paul Owen in a great supporting position to take a neat inside ball to score.

Four minutes later Hornets put together ten or a dozen passes over the space of ten metres in search of a gap. Matt Calland thought that the direct route might be more appropriate and he was right. He steamed into three Eagles defenders and got his hands free to find Smith on his shoulder five metres from the line. Smith cruised in to score.

Half time 28-2 and, despite the majority of possession, Sheffield hadn't had a sniff of the game.

The second half ran much like the first. Sheffield spoiling and lying on at every tackle, Hornets ruthless defence pinning them down when they had the ball. Having suffered five whole minutes of the Eagles somewhat rudimentary tactics, Hornets hit the turbo button. Smith turning through tacklers to send Iain Higgins in untouched; 57 minutes - a huge burst by Paul Davidson, Damian Ball in support, O'Meara on hand to take the pass and score; 60 minutes - O'Meara outside to Higgins for his second; 62 minutes - Wayne McHugh dashing for the corner and finding Calland inside with a perfectly executed round-the-man pass for his second; 65 minutes - Smith again carving open the Eagles defence, this time Ayres on hand to collect the pass to score; 68 minutes - Ayres this time in the provider role, dropping a delicate grubber behind the Eagles defence for Owen to dive in and score; 71 minutes - Larder blasting in from close range for a deserved try. Breathless stuff - and Sheffield reduced to spectators as Hornets ran through the repertoire.

It was Hornets most complete performance of the season - and it was a treat to watch.

For weeks, the supporters have been frustrated in the knowledge that Hornets have a real powerhouse under the bonnet, but have underperformed. This however, is a real boost to everyone at the club and a major pointer to what this team is really capable of.

Whilst Sheffield made Hornets look like the Harlem Globetrotters on attack, it was in defence that Hornets turned in the most impressive show. Sheffield have developed a reputation as a team that likes to score points, but this game saw a new, steely resolute defence that pushed the Eagles backwards time and again. For once Hornets looked hungry, mean and ruthless - a fact that will please Martin Hall no-end.

Indeed, it was Hally that said months ago that it's the business end of the season where teams need to come good. And if this game is any indicator as to Hornets intentions in the run-in, it's going to be a terrific few weeks.