Hornets RFC

Hornets welcomed high flying Clifton to the Nest for the latest National 2 West league game and in front of the biggest crowd of the season gave their all but just fell short in a highly entertaining game with 10 tries for the supporters to appreciate but Hornets did at least pick up a try bonus point.

In the much anticipated game and both teams on form, it was always going to be a close affair and that is exactly what played out.

Hornets started well and had Clifton on the back foot but their defence was solid until the ball worked wide to Josh Sheppard who went over in the corner to put Hornets in front and Charlie Carter was accurate with the conversion . 7-0

Clifton began to play the sort of rugby they have all season and got close a few times but it took til the 16th minute before they scored .7-5

However with the ascendancy Clifton struck again on the 21st minute and they were in front. 7-12

Hornets hit back with pressure from the forwards and the back division were causing the visitors to concentrate but eventually Ayden Chenoweth was on hand to put Hornets level. 12-12.

Hornets then went down to 14 men when Sam Scott got on the wrong side of the referee but that invigorated the Hornets’ team as they scored against a shocked Clifton team through Corey Baker and Carters conversion and Hornets went into the break up 19-12.

Clifton started the second half on all cylinders and were rewarded with 2 quick tries to take the lead on 50 minutes.19-24.

Hornets were playing well and had some chances to score but maybe a wrong decision or option just let the visitors off the hook but on 64 minutes the excellent Baker got his second and the game was in the balance all square at 24 each.

The game was ebbing away and a draw seemed a fair result but Clifton had other ideas as they turned the screw as they are in a title race for the promotion to National 1 with Camborne.

In the last 8 minutes Clifton scored 2 quality tries, one of which was on the final whistle and robbed Hornets of their losing bonus point. Final score Hornets 24 Clifton 36

Clifton now go on to take on Camborne at home in the next game to see who gets promoted and Hornets lick their wounds and have a week off as they look to the last 3 games of the season.

First up is Devonport away then Macclesfield at home before the final game away at Redruth.Hornets are currently sitting in 6th spot.

Whatever the outcome of those last games it will still be the most successful season in the Clubs history and great credit to all players, coaching staff and background staff in their efforts to make this a year to remember. 

Match Photos, courtesy of Mike Teww, HERE