Sat 17 Sep 2022, 15:00
Hornets took their longest journey of the season to deepest darkest Cornwall and the infamous Redruth’s ‘Hell Fire Corner’ and put in the performance of the season so far and came away with a narrow defeat but a try bonus point in a 10 try thriller.
After a moments silence and the National Anthem after recent events in memory of Her Majesty The Queen in glorious bright sunshine Hornets put together a superb performance.
The very large partisan crowd were expecting great things as Redruth were runners up in last season’s campaign at Nat 2 and Hornets are the new boys in this league. However, Hornets are not the team just to make up the numbers and set about attacking the home side and found themselves in ‘Hell Fire Corner’ but it was the visitors who were making it hard to defend and a penalty led to a line out. Off the top ball was spun down the line and Harry Lyon ran over his opposite number in the corner and you could hear a pin drop except for the small number of away visitors! Charlie Carter did the honours and Hornets had a lead.0-7.
Hornets again attacked and got close but not over the line and Redruth could clear. A couple of penalties under enormous pressure from Redruth and the home side were a simple catch and drive lineout away which was excellently finished off and the conversion had the scores level. 7-7.
Hornets again attacking 'Hell Fire Corner' got a lineout in said area, this time the catch and drive and Hornets showed they had a well-coached pack and when close to the line prop Josh Lloyd dived over and the lead was restored. 7-12.
With the game going to and fro it was Redruth’s turn to score and they did again from a lineout similar to their last and the conversion put the home side in front.14-12.
Now it was Hornets again to attack a kickable penalty was turned down as Skipper Parker could sense another score and so the kick to the corner again, more efficient handling in the backs and Lyon was over for his second 14-17.
Redruth worked the ball well as their large pack and very strong backline got deep into Hornets half and again another lineout catch and drive and conversion had them back in front.21-17.
It was Hornets turn to score but alas got deep into Redruth’s 22 but were penalised for holding on in the breakdown and Redruth cleared and eventually got within the chance to score out of turn and went into the break with a 28-17 lead.
The chat amongst the crowd at halftime was how many points the home team could pile on in 'Hell Fire Corner' but Hornets had other ideas.
Danny Bailey made a break in midfield and couldn’t release the ball but the resultant penalty and Jamie Elswood again put the ball on the 22. A Hornets lineout, again the visitors were mauling the ball to the line and when the maul was brought down by the Redruth’s no.6 the ref awarded a penalty try and the no.6 sent to the bin, 28-24 and a bonus point try.
Under the cosh the home team launched plenty of attacks but were neutralised by Hornets superb defence but eventually they got a shot at goal which increased their lead.31.24.
Back to full strength and Redruth were again looking very dangerous and when Tommy Bailey was sent to the bin for an infringement Redruth capitalised and scored another 38-24.
Hornets were determined that the game wasn’t over and launched another series of attacks and when a penalty was awarded to the visitors on Redruth’s 5m line quick thinking by Danny Bailey and a quick tap and the big centre went over and the touchline conversion by Carter had Hornets within 7 and so another bonus point was there for the taking if they could hang on.38-31
Alas, from the restart and Redruth were awarded a penalty right on full time and the kick was good and so denying Hornets the 2nd point. Final score Redruth 41 Hornets 31.
Hornets are still looking for their first win at this level but if they continue to play as they did on Saturday it will not be very far away!
