Sat 6 Dec 2025, 15:00
Report by Jon Richardson.Hornets 18 Old Reds 15
On a wet and windy day, the Hornets faced their old rivals, the Old Reds, in what turned out to be a classic local derby for the last home game of 2025. The atmosphere was electric as a bumper crowd gathered to watch the Hornets maintain their 100% home record for the first half of the season.
The match began with an early lead for the Hornets, courtesy of a penalty from Jack Gapper. However, the Old Reds capitalized on continued pressure and responded with a try from left winger Harrison Murphy, which made the halftime score a modest 5-3 in favour of the visitors.
As the second half commenced, the Hornets displayed renewed vigor, and prop Tom Read scored an unconverted try, pushing the score to 8-5. The Hornets then exploited their dominant scrum, earning a penalty try that stretched their lead to 15-5. It looked as if the Hornets would run away with the match at this point, but the Old Reds had different ideas. They fought back, with Murphy crossing the line again to narrow the deficit to 15-10.
Jack Gapper then added a penalty to increase the Hornets' lead to 18-10. The match took a turn as three yellow cards were issued in quick succession to the Hornets, leaving them defending with only 12 players on the field. Despite being at a numerical disadvantage, the Hornets remarkably held off the Old Reds, who were piling on the pressure.
In a thrilling finale, the Old Reds continued to attack, and it was during the final play of the match that replacement back row Lex Valentino scored a try, bringing the score to 18-15. The Hornets breathed a sigh of relief as they managed to secure a 4 point victory in what was undoubtedly a very hard-fought battle.
Referee: James Milner-Woodcock
Attendance: 764
Starman: Joachim Hullah (Hornets)Match photos HERE
