Hornets RFC

Having come into the National League this season a trip to Clifton is now classed as a local Derby in the shortest away trip up the M5 to high flying Clifton. 

Clifton are unbeaten so far this season at home and it was quite plain to see that this current team are aiming for promotion as their very talented experienced team made it a tough day at the office for Hornets as they won by 9 tries to 2. 

Hornets though started the better of the 2 teams and came out firing on all cylinders and had Clifton pinned in their own half and the pressure turned into points as Clifton conceded a penalty and Charlie Carter did the honours off the tee and Hornets were in front. 0-3. 

From the restart Hornets had possession and pressure but this time Clifton were able to clear and set up good field position of their own and their pack set up great ball and a ruck and the illusive scrum half spotted a hole and dived through and the conversion followed.7-3 

Hornets though pressed again and an attacking lineout on Clifton’s 22 unfortunately went the home sides way and after outstanding interplay their electric backs set up ball to allow their lineout to perform and another score was inevitable.14-3. 

Kieran Ward was yellow carded for an adjudged deliberate knock on and so Hornets were under enormous pressure and Clifton exploited the advantage in numbers and score twice before halftime to into the changing rooms with the try bonus point secured.28-3 

The second half and Clifton were enjoying plenty of possession and were very efficient and scored again twice to open up an unassailable lead. 42-3 

Hornets now could have quite easily folded as things were tough but to their credit attacked and after plenty of phases which had the Clifton team having to defend really hard. Hornets were awarded a penalty and the kick to the corner by new fly half Stuart Heal and an attacking lineout for Hornets. Callum Lane delivered the ball collected by Eryk Luckza and the maul was set and outstanding control and Lane was able to reach for the line to score and Carter finished the try with a conversion.42-10 

This rejuvenated Clifton and they started a 10-minute spell of sublime rugby as Hornets were chasing shadows a bit as they helped themselves to 3 more converted tries. 63-10. 

The last 10 minutes were owned by Hornets as they began to show the level of rugby they can play when they are allowed the ball and superb pressure was eventually rewarded as prop Josh Lloyd finished off a quality well controlled try and Carter again converted. 

The last couple of minute and Hornets were looking for more but just ran out of time. Final Score Clifton 63 Hornets 17. 

Sometimes you just have to say fair play - Clifton are a very good side and this was easily the hardest opposition Hornets had faced all season and the first 10 minutes and the last 10 minutes were all Hornets but the bit in between was a demonstration of outstanding rugby played at pace with skill. Still some unforced errors that need to be addressed this week at training ahead of the long away trip to Hinkley next week.