Sat 18 Apr 2026, 15:00
Hornets welcomed Exeter University to the Nest for the last Home National League 2 West match of the season and it was Exeter who came out on top in a high tempo game.
Being able to draw on their vast reserves from their player pool Exeter showed that they could play better than the league position would suggest as they are in a relegation battle with the other University team Loughborough. At least one of these teams and possibly both could get relegated and so fighting for their survival.
It didn't start well for Hornets as the visitors started at pace and caught the hosts off guard and rattled to a 19 point lead after only 11 minutes.
Hornets through their no.8 Corey Baker got one back to settle the ship and conversion by Jack Gapper 7-19.
Both sides then had a player sent to the bin but it was Exeter who dealt with it better as Hooker Alex Osborne got his hattrick try .H.T 7-24.
Exter continued the second half as they finished the first and asserted pressure and were rewarded with another try. 7-31.
The visitors got another and still 12 minutes left 7-31.
Hornets in the last throws of the game managed to get a foothold and duly scored some tries to at least get a try bonus point through Mua Inoke and 2 more to the fantastic No. 8 Corey Baker to get his own personal hattrick.
Final Score Hornets 24 Exeter University 36.
Hornets now look forward to finishing the season off away at Hinkley on Saturday and bring the curtain down on the season and what has proved to be another hugely successful one and Hornets currently sit in 5th spot in the National League and look forward to another season at level 4 for next year.
