Sat 9 Dec 2023, 14:30
Bournville v Hornets 9.12.23
Hornets took the relatively short trip to Birmingham and Bournville in their latest National 2 West league match in the final game of the first half of the season and came away with no points in a disappointing result in a crucial game.
On a familiar artificial pitch and against a strong wind blowing in their face the first half was all about trying to stop Bournville getting too big a lead in the first half and to their credit Hornets defended really well .
Bournville started at full pace and attacked with vigor and an adjudged high tackle by Hornets led to a kick to the corner and Hornets were defending their own line but a well-executed lineout and Bournville had the first try. 5-0.
Hornets struggled to get out of their half with the wind conditions and so running with the ball was the only option which they did well but were let down by a lack of composure when most needed and mistakes let the home team clear deep into Hornets 22. After a series of scrums, penalties and re set scrums Bournville eventually got over again to extend their lead 10-0.
Winger Ozzy James had to leave the field with a suspected Achilles rupture which was later diagnosed, Hornets wish him well in his recovery.
Again, pressure by Bournville and Hornets were defending their own line with a series of scrums, after a few conceded penalties the ref decided that Hornets needed a yellow card to sort it out and sent Connor Baker to the bin. Hornets now looked doomed as the hosts looked sure to score but Hornets had other ideas and got a penalty of their own and could clear, they then proceeded to work their way up the field with a man down and had a lineout near halfway. The ball was won by Sam Taylor and shipped to the impressive George Timmins and his powerful run and determination the no.8 scored a superb try and the home crowd went very quiet right on the halftime whistle. 10-5.
Now in the second Half Hornets felt they had a chance with the elements in their favour but a crucial decision by the ref which went against Hornets and Bournville managed to get the first score and increase their lead.17-5.
Still with plenty of time left and Bournville on their own line with a chance to clear their lines but Timmins was able to charge down the kick and collect the ball to score and reduce the lead.17-12.
Hornets now attempted to go on and win the game but some poor set pieces let them down and allowed the home team to regroup and launch attacks themselves which they did to great effect and their 4th game winning try was greeted with delight by the home crowd and soon after the final whistle was blown to end Hornets misery. Final score Bournville 24 Hornets 12.
In a crucial game at the bottom of the league this was a game Hornets needed to have come away with a result, but a disappointing display and they were left wanting and again plenty to work on in training this week before the students at Exeter University come to the Nest in the first return game as the second half of the campaign gets under way and Hornets will be looking to overturn their result away at Exeter.
