Sat 26 Sep 2026, 15:00
Hornets took the short trip down the M5 to Taunton RFC for the latest National 2 West fixture and outscored the hosts by 6 tries to 5 but alas it was the boot of Taunton's kicker Thomas Putt who was the difference, scoring a total of 11 points from the boot which proved vital as Hornets were not able to convert 4 of their tries and so 8 points were missed and went down losing the game by 2 points.
However, coming away from Taunton with a try bonus point and losing bonus point meant Hornets returned with 2 valuable points in the League and it was the best result they have had at Taunton and this young side are showing in a minute things will go their way.
In warm sunshine on a very hard pitch it was Taunton who started well showing why they were unbeaten in the first 3 games and joint top and were able to get the first score after 3 minutes and Putt got the extras.7-0
However, it was Hornets who started to cause trouble in the defence and the try came when a cross-field kick from Jamie Elswood and Josh Sheppard was able to dab it down. 7-5.
Taunton who had recruited very well during the off season and ex Hornet Connor Vickery were starting to show why they were top of the league and over the next 15 minutes had Hornets under the cosh although the visitors could, on another day, of scored at least one more try but were thwarted and 21 points to 5 was looking ominous for Hornets.
A couple of changes off the bench and Hornets for the next quater were in control and tries through Charlie Carter and Henry Webb and a conversion by Elswood and Hornets had recovered to go into the break down 21-17 and were looking good.
The second half continued as the first had played out as both sides were playing some quality rugby and were canceled out by just as good defence until after 47-minutesTaunton stretched their lead.28-17.
The hot day was having effect on the players as both benches emptied and fresh legs introduced.
Hornets were attacking when a deliberate knock on was penalised and the Taunton player sent to the bin gave Hornets hope. From the resulting penalty and kick to the corner the try was well worked by the returning Corey Baker. 28-22.
Taunton got just inside Hornets' half and won a penalty and the prolific Putt slotted the kick 31-22 and 15 left on the clock.
2 minutes later and through an interception Taunton scored another and all looked lost for Hornets 36-22.
This young team will never give up and as the game entered the last 10 minutes it was James Murray who got one back for Hornets and 4 minutes later Baker was over following great interplay work and Carter was good from the boot and just 5 minutes to go. 36-34.
Hornets were deep in their own half but managed through a couple of penalties to get into foreign territory and right at the death Taunton secured a turnover and were very pleased when the ref blew for full time. Taunton 36 Hornets 34.
Another very close defeat for this team but they are proving with all their inexperience they can push even the best teams in the league and any opposition will have to be on top form to prevent the Hornets victory.
Next week it doesn't let up as another top l side Luctonians will visit the Nest and then in 3 weeks Hornets would of played all top three teams and who knows maybe this is the one? Kick off at the Nest 3.00pm.
