Hornets RFC

Hornets took the short trip to Scotland Lane in Bristol in their latest National 2 West league fixture and although finished very strong they couldn’t quite get the much-needed away victory but did at least for the second week running pick up 2 bonus points. 

On the occasion of his 100th 1st XV Cap Bailey Jackson led the Hornets team on to the pitch alongside Callum Lane who was winning his 50th Cap. 

It didn’t start well for the visitors as a missed tackle in midfield allowed Old Reds the chance to attack right from the kick off and Hornets were behind their line watching the conversion with just a couple of minutes on the clock.7-0. 

Reds now were feeling very confident and set up a series of attacks and had Hornets under enormous pressure and again they managed to squeeze over just after Ross Cheeseborough was sent to the bin for a yellow card offence.12-0 

Hornets were struggling to get a foothold in the game as they could not get the ball off a very well organised Reds team, more pressure by the hosts and Hornets conceded a penalty in front of the posts and Hornets were looking shellshocked and unless they could get back into the game it would be a very long afternoon. 

Eventually Hornets were allowed to play with the same ball that Reds were using and began to play some determined rugby and had the home side reeling and a clever chip through put Ozzy James in space and he gathered and dived dover the line and Hornets were at least on the scoreboard.15-5 

This rattled Reds and they were awarded a penalty which they kicked to extend their lead.18-5. 

Then came the best play of the day for Hornets as a lineout on halfway was won by Fin Davis and the maul was set up and the pack marched Reds back deep into their own 22 at a rate of knots and then quick ball was released to the waiting backs and Charlie Carter was in the right spot to score the superb try which was totally down to the forward power.18-10 and halftime. 

The second half was always going to be tough as Hornets were playing up the infamous slope and it was Reds who play their pitch so well got the first score.25-10. 

A lack of concentration from the restart and again some sloppy defence and Reds scarpered off to score again and things were looking bleak for Hornets. 30-10. 

However, as in the past few games Hornets set about a comeback and the Centurion Jackson who capped a fine game with a score following a well taken catch and drive in the lineout.30-15. 

Not to be outdone Callum Lane was able to benefit from another superb lineout move close to the Reds line and also celebrated his big day with a score and was an upset on the cards? Carter converted and Hornets were now rampant.30-22. 

Hornets pack now had the Reds forwards completely under control and the home side were completely outplayed and were constantly going back in the scrum and Hornets were stealing the home sides ball in the scrum which eventually led to a Hornets penalty in front of the posts and after a while eventually Skipper Parker asked Carter to kick the points and hopefully with one more play from the restart a chance to get the win. Old Reds looked very tired as the much fitter Hornets side were making it very hard and the home team were holding on. Alas, it was Reds who had the chance and a kick at goal deep into overtime to prevent the second bonus point for Hornets but surprisingly the kick was wide of the upright and the ref blew for full time. Final Score Old Reds 30 Hornets 25. 

This proved to be another frustrating day for Hornets as they just can’t get the illusive away victory and secure the much-needed win but at least they did come away with 2 bonus points as this could prove to be vital come the end of the season. Again, this performance cements the idea that this team are to be reckoned with and if they can just start a bit better instead of trying to play catchup they will be safe. Next week at the Nest Hornets welcome Bournville from the Midlands in a huge game and Hornets will be looking to turn the second half performance in this game to a full 80 minutes display.