Sat 28 Feb 2026, 15:00
Hornets v Camborne 28.2.26
Hornets welcomed runaway National 2 West League leaders Camborne to a packed Nest, and duly outclassed the visitors by winning in emphatic style, beating Camborne by 6 tries to 3 and so stop their 10 match unbeaten run and send them back to Cornwall on what must of been a very quiet coach trip without even a league point to show for their efforts as Hornets bagged a bonus 5 point win.
On the occasion of a Past Player's packed lunch prior to the match the 'Old Boys' were entertained by the present team and they showed that the Hornet passion is still very much in place and how well this team are playing on the National stage and representing the town at this level.
The talk from Camborne all week was to control the game from the forwards and come away with the win and if results went their way they would be very close to securing promotion, but when you come to the Nest you have to expect a very hard afternoon. Hornets however, had targeted this game for a while as they have come close to winning in a few games and were very confident this was going to be their chance.
The game kicked off in warm sunshine and it was evident right from the start this was going to be a bruising battle as both sets of players were showing great skill in attack and also defence.
After 9 minutes Hornets had a shot at goal which just sailed wide and this miss rejuvenated Camborne and after 20 minutes had managed to get over the whitewash for their first try and open up the lead which was their only time in front.0-5.
On the half hour the Hornets pack were running riot and allowing the free flowing backs to revel in the perfect conditions and when after quality interplay Adam Francis was able to secure the try and the conversion by Gapper put Hornets in front. 7-5.
This put Hornets on the front foot and were controlling the game and after some close driving by the forwards the ball shipped to Francis at full tilt and the centre was over for his and Hornets second again converted by Gapper.14-5.
Just before halftime Camborne's huge second row was sent to the bin for a dangerous 'croc roll' but Camborne reacted well and right on the whistle had a long range kick at goal which missed. Half Time 14-5.
Hornets were expecting Camborne to come out all guns blazing which they did but some outstanding defence both by the pack and especially in midfield by the backs put Hornets in with a chance and while carrying 2 defenders over the line with him Joachim Hullah finished off a superb try and Hornets sensed a victory.19-5.
Camborne had chances but either spilt the ball or had it stolen from them but through their electric replacement cleverly scored to give them hope.19-12.
For the next 7 minutes it was the 'coupe de gras' moment as Hornets were turning the screw and time for Charlie Carter to show why he is one of Hornets' most dangerous players, as he not only once, but twice, scored in this time to completely snuff out any chance of the comeback and Gapper was successful with both kicks and 10 minutes left. 33-12.
Camborne as you would expect, do not give up and secured a try with 4 minutes left as they searched for a bonus point try but Hornets had other ideas.33-17.
Closing out the game was all Hornets had to do now but they were enjoying themselves and when outstanding flanker Sonny Davis was able to surge forward his swallow dive was warmly greeted by the happy supporters as well as his team mates as the win was topped off in style and the conversion by Gapper hit both posts and sailed over and the final whistle by the ref put the visitors out of their misery. Final Score Hornets 40 Camborne 17.
This result and performance goes down as the best seen at the Nest and the manor of the result against such quality opponents will live long in the memory and Hornets settle in 5th spot in the league with 5 games to go.
They take a well earned rest now as a week off and then the prospect of the long journey up North to Lymm.
Match photos HERE courtesy of Mike Tew
