Sat 6 Sep 2025, 15:00
Hornets 21 Hinckley 18
Report by Jon Richardson
Hornets kicked off the 2025-2026 season with an exciting matchup against a strong Hinckley side at The Nest, basking in the glorious September sunshine. The home team got off to a fantastic start when Joachim Hullah scored just seven minutes into the game, with the conversion executed by new flyhalf Jack Gapper.
However, Hinckley quickly capitalised on some mistakes, with Jack Ramshaw barging over for their first try, although Rory Vowels' conversion attempt sailed wide. Hinckley took the lead shortly after with another close-range effort from Ollie Bee, successfully converted by Vowels for a 7-12 advantage.
The Hornets responded with a brilliant breakaway try from fullback Charlie Carter, which Gapper converted to regain the lead, putting the score at 14-12. Just before halftime, Hornets were reduced to 14 men when Danny Bailey received a yellow card. The halftime score stood at Hornets 14, Hinckley 12.
The second half saw Hinckley come back strongly, with Vowels slotting a penalty to take a 15-14 lead. They further extended their advantage with another penalty to make it 15-18. Nonetheless, the Hornets remained in the game, and in the 76th minute, man of the match Jack Parkinson scored a try following a clever line-out move, putting the Hornets ahead 19-18. Gappa added the conversion, stretching the lead to 21-18.
The final three minutes were frantic, but the Hornets held their ground, clinching their first victory of the season with a final score of 21-18.
Referee- Nathan Howarth
Starman- Jack Parkinson
Attendance- 538
Match Photos HERE
