Sat 10 Dec 2022, 14:30
Hornets welcomed Bournville from the Midlands to The Nest in the last round of the first set of games against a side that were lurking near the bottom of the table just below Hornets and so was a massive game in the quest to maintain League status.
After sitting down to their Christmas lunch where a 100 people enjoyed some festive spirit and in anticipation of a much-needed win, although Hornets didn’t fire on all cylinders still managed to eek out the win and inch up the table slightly and sit in 10th spot.
Hornets had recently stuttered at the start but on this occasion started brightly and were inside Bournville’s 22 and anticipating a score but alas couldn’t squeeze over and allowed the visitors to not only clear their lines but get an opportunity to shoot at goal for the lead. 0-3.
Hornets again were on the attack and a lineout inside Bournville’s 22 and the maul was set up and when Callum Lane broke and grounded the ball a big cheer was heard all round but unfortunately neither the touch judge or the referee managed to observe the ball on the ground and so no try was awarded even though the opposition had agreed to themselves of the score and couldn’t believe their luck.
To add insult to injury the resultant clearance and a mishap in midfield got Bournville close to Hornets line and a well taken try and conversion and Hornets were down by double figures.0-10.
The Hornets maintained their pressure and eventually got within kicking distance for Charlie Carter to get the Hornets on the scoreboard. 3-10.
The rest of the half petered out as both sides couldn’t get a foothold and when Jamie Elswood had to leave the pitch with a head injury Stuart Heal came on.
The 2nd half continued as the first finished and both sides showed some intent but a lack of accuracy by both attacks and solid defence and 20 minutes had gone by scoreless.
Hornets now stepped up as Danny Bailey entered the fray and instantly made an impact with solid surging runs in midfield. Following a yellow card to the visitors and constant pressure by Hornets pack it was the powerful centre Bailey that was on hand to get over for the score and the superb touchline conversion by Carter and the scores were level with 10 minutes to go.
Hornets kept knocking at the door but again were just short and Josh Lloyd was also held up over the line to frustrate Hornets and again Bournville cleared.
The visitors were sensing the chance to take the lead and deny Hornets the win and had a shot at goal but the ball bounced off the upright and sent Hornets into panic as the bouncing ball caused chaos but Hornets managed to clear and so get a chance to attack and following a penalty in midfield Heal kicked the penalty deep into Bournville’s 22 and Fin Davis secured the lineout and the driving maul set up and it was skipper Matt Parker who was available to barge over for the crucial try, again the conversion by Carter and Hornets had the lead. With only seconds left on the clock Carter had a chance to deny Bournville a bonus point but as the kick sailed past the upright a sigh of relief by the visitors was followed by the final whistle. Final score Hornets 17 Bournville 10.
The large crowd returned to the clubhouse to warm up and reflect on the win where Hornets had been very under par but still managed the win and 4 points.
So, as the first half of the season is over for Hornets in their first ever visit to level 4 and although are just short of mid table in the league, they are encouraged by some very strong performances and look forward to the return fixture as the first of which is away to Barnstaple next week. Barnstaple were Hornets first home visitors way back in September and just pushed Hornets out with a last-minute penalty kick at goal. Hornets' supporters' bus is going to Barnstaple alongside the team's bus for a Xmas day out and much merriment is expected.
Pictured - Adam Francis - Player of the Match
Player of the match award kindly sponsorsed by:-
