Sat 21 Sep 2024, 15:00
Hornets v Loughborough University 21.9.24
Hornets welcomed Loughborough University to the Nest in the 3rd round of the National 2 West league and were taught a lesson by the Students as the visitors went home with a bonus point victory and Hornets again had nothing for their efforts.
Loughborough were top of the table, unbeaten and in good form and although Hornets had won the previous 2 games at the Nest this was going to be a tough test.
The fast-running attacking Uni side found it hard to break down a sound Hornets defence but when they had a penalty kick to the corner the resultant catch and drive was efficient and the visitors had their first try.0-5.
Hornets after the restart had some good possession and their heavier stronger forwards had the Students struggling and a series of attacks and Hornets were camped on Loughborough's line but valiant defence kept the hosts out and when Chris Francis saw a gap, he launched for the line but the ball spilt and the opportunity lost and Loughborough could clear.
Loughborough had a scrum on halfway and the ball shipped to their electric winger who showed a clean pair of heals for an excellent try and conversion and the visitors looked comfortable.0-12.
Loughborough were struggling with their own ball in the lineouts and the ball was being turned over and after a surge by Sam Scott a penalty awarded to Hornets and Jaime Elswood obliged and got Hornets on the scoreboard.3-12.
Again from another loose Loughborough lineout Francis mopped up and set up an attack and Hornets spun the ball wide to winger Josh Sheppard for the youngster to go over in the corner.8-12.
With just three minutes left in the half and Hornets sensed an opportunity but alas while defending, the clearance kick found Loughborough back 3 lurking and they pounced at pace to score and similarly it happened again and in a flash Loughborough had a big lead going into the break.8-24.
The first 15 minutes after the break and Hornets found some form and eventually after a penalty and kick for the corner the well worked lineout and resultant pick and drive it was Corey Baker who went over to close the gap, converted by Luke McMullan 15-24.
Hornets now had the upper hand but again from distance the back division from the visitors scored again to stretch their lead.15-29.
With Loughborough's defensive line on the edge of being offside all-day McMullan decided to chip over the rush defence and Sheppard collected the kick and when he was stopped just short the pop pass to the supporting Connor Vickery the simple touchdown had Hornets close again with just 6 left to go.20-29.
Hornets now were chasing not only the bonus point try but a losing bonus point but again Loughborough were able to snuff that out with a sweeping attack and the game was won by the visitors with the final try. Full Time Hornets 20 Loughborough University 32.
Disappointed hosts in the result and for much of the game having chances to score the final pass or ball dropped and Hornets efforts were fruitless.
Hornets get another chance at Home again next week to struggling Hinckley who are just below Hornets in the League and so a battle of the 'Hornets".
