Hornets RFC

Hornets travelled to high flying Luctonians on a very dull  overcast day but the rugby lit up the gloom. In a very close intense battle Hornets just came up short as they narrowly missed out on the victory but came away with a losing bonus point which is very important in the quest for the league.

After a moments silence to remember the war dead it was Hornets who started the better as they threw everything at the hosts. 

A luctonians clearance kick in the second minute found Charlie Carter on the hoof and he set up good ball for the forwards to advance. Surges by the magnificent Corey Baker and skipper Courtney Harris got Hornets right to the line and when the opportunity was there no.8 Don Farmer barged over to quieten the vocal crowd and Jamie Elswood converted and the coach journey forgotten about.

Luctonians then set up attacks but were met with fierce defensive tackles and eventually following an infringement they took a shot at goal which was successful . 3 - 7.

The next 15 minutes both sides attacked but were cut down as defences held firm.

On 25 minutes Hornets had a scrum just inside their own half when the ball was released and Carter typically gained ground and set up his winger Huw Morgan off down the touch line, the strong running winger beat off would be tacklers to get to and over the line in a well taken try to score his first try for Hornets having moved from Weston RFC in the summer. 3-12 and all quiet in the stands.

Right on halftime Elswood took a speculative shot at goal from distance but failed and Hornets went into the break in a good position.

Hornets knew Luctonians were going to start the second half strongly after a good talking to at the break and after just 3 minutes had a penalty kick to the corner and a simple catch and drive line out resulted in a score for the hosts. 8-12.

Hornets couldn’t get a foothold as the bounce of the ball and some decisions seemed to go to Luctonians as they put pressure on Hornets and before they knew it had scored 2 more quick tries to take control with a good lead 22-12.

With this renewed vigor you would of expected them to get their 4th try and bonus point but again Hornets defence was solid and kept them out and even themselves managed to put pressure on Luctonians but it wasn’t until the 71st minute that Corey Baker had a barnstorming run supported by his back division and when the ball popped up to Hayden Tuttiett the scrum half went over and Elswood slotted the extras and game on 22-19.

The last few minutes was intense until right on full time Hornets won a penalty within kicking distance but Harris sensed a chance to steal the game with the last play but unfortunately the kick for the corner went astray and with a huge sigh of relief the home players were ecstatic to hear the final whistle . Final Score Luctonians 22 Hornets 19.

Hornets were disappointed to of not taken the win but to go to a team in second place in the league and come away with a point shows how this team are improving to take on anyone .

Next up next week another first for Hornets as Cinderford RFC come to the Nest in another mouthwatering match.