Hornets RFC

Hornets travelled to one of their closer away games in Barnstaple who are languishing near the lower end of the league same as Hornets and on an emotional day came away with their first ever away victory at National League level and to top that bagged a full 5 points. 

On the first anniversary of the passing of Club Legend Phil Hogarth it was fitting that the current #5 Tommy Bailey emotionally led the team out wearing the 5 shirt on the occasion of his 50th cap. 

This inspired the team who gained a massive 5 points in their quest to remain at level 4 for next season. 

With both sides needing valuable points, it was always going to be a tense affair and there was no holding back by either team in some ferocious tackling that was well received by the large vocal crowd. 

It was Barnstaple who eventually got the upper hand in the early exchanges and after a missed kick for touch they attacked from deep and were rewarded for their strong running with a well taken try to open the scoring.5-0. 

Hornets started to apply pressure and Dexter Nettleton, back in a 1st team shirt after a spell in the 2s was introducing himself to National rugby and was relishing his chance and was a thorn in the side of Barnstaple all afternoon.  

Hornets were now attacking at pace and the Barnstaple no.8 was illegally lying on the ball in a ruck and was binned. The kick to the corner and a chance to get the first try via a lineout which was well executed, it was skipper Matt Parker who dived over with the ball and Charlie Carter’s conversion put Hornets in front.5-7. 

Hornets tried but to no avail to get the next try but solid defence by the hosts kept them out and when back to 15 started to look strong themselves. However, it was Hornets who sensed another chance and attacked. Twice they were held up over the line and the resultant drop out under the posts by the hosts. 

Barnstaple again had a man in the bin and from the second drop out by Barnstaple it was Carter who attacked and his typical run got Hornets deep into the 22 and quick ruck ball put Henry Gliddon over in the corner for a superb try.5-12. 

The remainder of the half was again intense and Rob Dempsey was adjudged to have tackled too high and was sent to the bin and the half was over. 

Following the break at halftime Barnstaple came out all guns blazing and with quality ball control and multi phases of play but they were met by a solid defence in Hornets and very disciplined, controlled play kept the hosts out and were running down the clock as it was for 20 minutes that they were banging on the door and being held up twice themselves over the line but eventually they were able to benefit from a well-executed lineout to get the score and the good conversion put the scores level.12-12. 

The last 20 minutes did not let up and both sides were playing great rugby and the pressure was intense. Hornets however were starting to apply their gameplan well and returning winger Jermaine Jones was a constant pain for Barnstaple along with fresh faces off the bench. Hornets sensed a score and the forwards set up good ball for the backs to use and it was Gliddon who popped up again for his second and Hornets had regained the lead.12-17. 

With only minutes left on the clock Barnstaple still had a chance to snatch the game away from Hornets and had a penalty chance at goal but turned it down as to attemt to get the try and conversion to win the game at the death. Unfortunately, the 5 metre lineout was superbly defended by the rampant Hornets forwards and a penalty to the visitors allowed them to clear to halfway. From that resultant lineout again on the attack Hornets forced another error from the hosts and a chance to secure the win.  

Jamie Elswood kicked the penalty to the 5 metre line and when Fin Davis secured another lineout the forwards surged and when Elswood was out wide the miss pass to him and the fly half went over in the corner to get the win and bonus point, Carter then converted and no time to restart and the game was over and the illusive away victory was secured and one that ‘Big Phil’ would have been proud of!  

Final score Barnstaple 12 Hornets 24. 

Hornets, with this victory move up to 9th in the League and their highest position all year as the business end of the season starts with pressure in every game but a much-needed shot in the arm for this team.