Sat 2 Dec 2023, 14:30
Hornets v Luctonians 2.12.23
Hornets welcomed the high flying Luctonians to the Nest in the latest National 2 West league match and despite the scoreline Luctonians certainly didn’t have it all their own way as Hornets put in a spirited display but eventually losing out by 4 tries to 3.
In bright freezing sunshine it was apparent that the visitors were intent on attacking and they were met with solid defence and when Hornets had the ball they had Luctonians backpedaling. The first 16 minutes were played at a high pace and intensity and the 2 sides canceled each other out until Hornets were adjudged to of been offside and so the visitors took a shot at goal which was successful. 0-3
From the restart the ball was cleared by Luctonians only to find the impressive George Timmins in his own half clearing up, he made a typical hard strong run into Luctonians half and the ball was then shipped and Adam Francis made a break in midfield and a long pass outside to his full back Luke Graham and the youngster scorched over and Hornets had the first try to go in front.5-3.
Luctonians were a bit shellshocked with the attack from Hornets but retaliated well and earned themselves a lineout and an effective catch and drive and the try was awarded.5-8.
Again, both sides attacked but the defences held out until right on halftime when Hornets were defending a lineout on their own 5 m line and unfortunately a bit of a shambles lead to Luctonians benefitting and scoring to go into the break up by 10 at 5-15.
The second half was just as intense and defences held firm by both sides but eventually Luctonians sniffed and opportunity and efficiently scored again and the conversion put them clear 5-22
While attempting a clearence kick inside their own half Luctonians had the kick charged down by Timmins and the ball was won and recycled by a rampant Hornets pack and the ball sped down the line and Pierre Tucker went over in the corner and conversion by Jamie Elswood and Hornets were back in the game.22-12.
Hornets were now putting a lot of pressure on the visitors but some inaccuracy in the lineout and a few loss of ball control moments let the visitors off a couple of times but after Hornets were held up over the line when they looked like scoring the drop kick was retrieved, an attack was launched and a few holes in the defence and Dec Dorrington found himself in acres of space all alone and he had the pace to get to the line and Luctonians were taken aback.22-17.
Time was running out and Hornets were keen to see if they could cause an upset but alas a penalty conceded right in front of the posts and the league leaders kicked the goal to take the lead to more than 7 points with very little time left.17-25.
Hornets had a short time to try and get the 4th try which could have resulted in 2 bonus points but unfortunately a very well executed training ground lineout and midfield break and the bonus point try for the visitors and the ref blew for full time. Final score Hornets 17 Luctonians 30.
Hornets played very well in this one and they defied their league position against top of the table Luctonians but were guilty of a few too many mistakes right when accuracy was needed and some things to work on in training this week ahead of the trip next week to the Midlands and Bournville for what is the final game of the first half of the season and a crucial game as they look for the first away win.
