Hornets RFC

Hornets travelled up the M5 to the Midlands and Stourbridge, the venue some 10 years ago of the National U17s Cup Final which Hornets were the winners and some of the players on that day returned with the 1st team. 

With high expectations after last week's win, Hornets were hoping to get their first away win on the board but alas Stourbridge had other ideas winning by 55 points to 25 but Hornets did come away with a try bonus point. 

The standard of rugby at this level leads to every game being a huge challenge and so it proved. 

Hornets however did start the better of the two teams and constant pressure close to Stourbridge's line led to the second row being yellow carded and Charlie Carter kicked the penalty. 0-3. 

Stourbridge have a very large pack and some very mobile forwards and they set about displaying some great quality and player support and were rewarded with a try and conversion.7-3 

Shortly after this score and Hornets on the attack skipper Matt Parker was injured and needed to be replaced by Tommy Bailey. 

Slightly against the run of play Stourbridge got a soft try as far as Hornets were concerned as poor defence allowed Stourbridge to flood through and score.14-3. 

Hornets attacked and a penalty kick to the corner and Hornets had good lineout ball to attack which was well executed by the backs and a gap spotted by Jamie Elswood and the fly half went over to score his first try for his new team converted by Carter. 14-10. 

Stourbridge right on half time got a well taken try and conversion to go in for the break up 21.10. 

With the wind on their backs Hornets felt they had the game at their mercy. 

They stepped up the intensity and veteran Rob Dempsey had the pace to finish off a well worked score and game on 21-15. 

Then came a poor period for Hornets as maybe a lack of concentration in defence and poor clearance kicks led to two quick tries by Stourbridge and Hornets found themselves 3 scores down 31-15. 

Hornets got inside the Hosts 22 and the lineout which had not been perfect all day, but this was won and ball spun down the line and Connor Vickery got his first try for Hornets 31-20. 

Alas, it seemed every time Hornets scored, they failed to completely control the kick offs and suffered easy scores against and this happened again 38.-20. 

Now playing with complete confidence the home side were enjoying their runabout in the warm sunshine and seemed to score from almost anywhere and they did 43-20. 

Charlie Carter got on the scoresheet again after more good support and running and at least with the fourth try a bonus point now they were looking for the second but alas it was out of sight as again sloppy defence and superb rugby by Stourbridge and the game was won for the hosts. Final Score Stourbridge 55 Hornets 25. 

This proved to be a tough day for this young team against a very experienced and talented opposition. 

Hornets would like to thank Stourbridge for their superb hospitality and look forward to their visit to The Nest in January.