Sat 11 Apr 2026, 15:00
Old Reds v Hornets 11.4.26
After 2 weeks off for Easter Hornets travelled to Old Redcliffians for the latest National 2 West League match and came up against a fired up Old Reds who cruised to victory by 7 tries to 3.
The game didn't start well for the visitors as up the slope Old Reds showed their intent and applied pressure. Sonny Haines was adjudged to of used the wrong technique in a tackle and was sent straight to the bin after 9 minutes.
Old Reds benefitted straight away as on the 16th minute scored out wide and quickly followed by another 2 to extend their lead after just 26 minutes 19-0.
Hornets, when ball in hand and Haines was back, it was the prop who was available to get a score for Hornets and the conversion by Jack Gapper and Hornets felt back in the game. 19-7.
Old Reds again asserted pressure and got another just before halftime Fin Davis was able to go over and Gapper converted and the half finished.26-14.
The game continued in a similar vain as Hornets were struggling to contain the hosts who looked dangerous and they were rewarded with another on 49 minutes before Haines got another. 33-19.
Hornets now were looking for the bonus point try with 15 minutes left and worked well up the pitch and got right to Old reds line but couldn't get over it.
After a few penalties in the 'red zone' by Old Reds the referee decided to speak to their captain about persistent penalties and the next one would result in a yellow card. The very next play and Hornets right below the host's crossbar and about to score when an illegal act by Old Reds was punished by a penalty but the referee decided not to follow up his threat of a card . This seemed to invigorate Old Reds who not only managed to turn over the ball but eventually work into a position to score a try and followed it up with another..
The final score Old Reds 45 Hornets 19.
A tough day for Hornets against a side who were fighting for survival in the National league and through this victory secured that and Hornets will look forward to doing it all again next season. Some times you just have to accept that its just not your day.
Hornets look forward now to the penultimate and last game at home next week as they welcome Exeter University to the Nest. Exeter have had a bad season and find themselves in a relegation battle and will probably draw on all their BUCS players for this game from their vast player pool in a bid to remain in this league.
