Sat 3 Sep 2022
Hornets 3rds started the season off with a trip down south to Chard RFC in a new league the opposition was an unknown quantity, the mighty 3rds started with good intent defending well and pressuring Chard from the off, a penalty early on put Chard on the 5 metre with an early lineout opportunity which they capitalized on scoring of the back of a well worked maul 5 nil to chard.
Hornets looked promising in attack however couldn't get enough bodiess into the rucks resulting in a few turnovers, putting the pressure on again Chard got the second try of the game about 30 minutes into the first half.
A few early injuries resulted in a change at prop seeing Dodd swap with the multi position Crowley and second row Lukins swapping with the debutant Eoin Austin. These changes saw a tempo change from hornets begining to really test the opposition however due to a penalty in the 22 hornets went into half time 13 points down.
The second half saw an invigorated Hornets push back into the game, some expansive play by the backs saw fullback Deacon go over for Hornets first points of the game, converted by Fairhurst Hornets were now 13 - 7 and looking dangerous, unfourtunatly a number of poor lineouts saw Chard with a penalty in kicking distance and they promptly took the 3 points. Shortly after this after another lineout mishap meant Chard went under the posts for a try that was easily converted leaving Hornets chasing the game 23 - 7.
Hornets didn't give up and after some more expansive backs play led by Fairhurst, centre Collings found himself kicking into space, after a few decent grubber kicks he baffled the defence and went over for a try converted again by Fairhurst.
The match was drawing to its conclusion and the early subs were taking their toll on Hornets who leaked another try finishing the game 30 - 14 to Chard.
Lots of learning took place for the young squad who look to make amends this coming week at home where they meet Wiveliscombe 2XV kick-off 2.30pm.
