Sat 3 Sep 2022, 14:00
This was an historic occasion for the Hornets as it would be their first ever foray into National League 2 West, the highest level of rugby ever played by the men from the Nest. A long trip to face a fancied Leicester Lions side was both exciting and daunting but with the hard work put in over the summer the coaching staff were hoping for a good showing.
Hornets started brightly and for 10 minutes the sides were locked in the middle third. It was Hornets that were on the attack when the ball was given away cheaply, the Lions pounced and launched an attack from their own half. A kick ahead, a nice bounce and an off load from winger Devon Constant put scrum half James Stubbs in for a converted try.
This unfortunately led to a bad spell for the Hornets as their discipline and decision making seemed to desert them, three Lions tries from attacking lineouts handed to them by a mounting penalty count saw Leicester open up a 22-0 halftime lead. Despite this their were some promising signs and with a few small improvements the players and coaches felt upbeat.
The second half saw a different team take the field as Matt Parker’s men took the game to the East Midlands outfit. Two powerful lineout drives led to a try by lock Ross Cheeseborough that was converted by Jamie Elswood on his league debut. Elswood cut the lead again with a penalty before Ben you reinstated the lead to 25-10. Hornets scored a fantastic try on 64 minutes when Hayden Tuttiett’s fantastic offload led to a try for another debutant Oscar Browne. Elswood again added the extras and it was game on at 25-17.
Then came a very key moment with Hornets on a strong attack, and what looked like a certain try, was stopped when the final pass went astray and the danger was cleared.
Lions added another penalty as Hornets tried in vain to at least gain a bonus point that didn’t quite arrive. Although disappointed at the end this was a strong second half on their first outing at Level 4 and there are lots of positive to move the team forward. Rueben Brown was outstanding in the Hornets front row and was awarded the man of the match award. Danny Bailey and Connor Vickery we’re strong defensively in Hornets midfield and Matt Parker enjoyed a strong game in the 8 shirt.
Hornets will now be looking forward to their next challenge at home on Saturday to Barnstaple where acquaintances will be renewed. Kick off is at 2:30pm.
