Sat 19 Sep 2026, 15:00
Hornets welcomed Clifton to the Nest and the visitors who had been relegated from National 1 seemed very happy to go away with the win and Hornets were lift licking their wounds and let the impressive would be victory slip from their fingertips.
After the away win at Exeter the squad were very confident and that showed right from the start as within 2 minutes had registered the first try as electric winger Josh Sheppard returned a clearance kick to get within 10 metres of the line and his clever looping pass found Sonny Davis and he went over and an easy kick for Jack Gapper. 7-0.
Hornets again were defending well and a turnover led to an eventual penalty kick to the corner and the well worked maul and James Murray found Jack Parkinson lurking on the wing and an easy score and Hornets had opened up a 12 point lead.
Hornets were now dominating in both the scrum and in open play and when straight in front of the posts the visitors conceded a penalty on 20 minutes and Gapper slotted it. 15-0.
While making a break Gapper fell awkwardly and Clifton sensed a chance as a man down they set about counterattacking which led to a try in the corner and their first of the day. This was quickly followed up by another as the visitors gained in confidence. 15-12.
Hornets spreading the ball well and the backs opened up a chance and when Charlie Carter went through a hole his simple pass to Henry Webb the center had his first try for Hornets. 20-12.
Clifton put pressure on the Hornets defence and a penalty in midfield allowed them to kick at goal and reduce the deficit before Hornets again launched a series of attacks including another run by Sheppard and the ball quickly moved and Arthur Davis got his try and a bonus point for Hornets and halftime. 25-15.
In the second half Clifton through a series of lineouts managed to score a try and close the gap and after more good play got another and had opened up a lead 25-27.
Hornets kept up the intensity and came close but maybe a couple of wrong options at crucial times couldn't get over and to the credit Clifton managed to clear their lines and get up field to score and stretch their lead. 25-34.
Hornets now in the last quarter were playing all the rugby and eventually it was Adam Francis who went over in the corner and the kick by Carter and Hornets were back in with a shout.32-34 and 10 minutes to go.
Hornets were now throwing everything at Clifton but didn't seem to have the ref on their side as they were penalised on the goal line for holding on and again 2 minutes later when a score looked imminent.
Hornets now upped the intensity again and when they had a 3 on 1 advantage the pass was thought to of been deliberately knocked on by the defender but the officials thought differently and right on the whistle Hornets were camped on the Clifton line but couldn't get over it . Hornets did have a long range kick at goal but the kick just pulled up short. Final Score Hornets 32 Clifton 34.
One that got away was the conclusion as Hornets should really of won this as were by far the better team they just fell short at the end and Clifton went home wondering how on earth they won that. 2 more points for their efforts and sat in 7th spot in the league
Hornets now dust them selves off as they take another short trip to Taunton next week in an exciting fixture which is always a great game.
Match Photos HERE
