Sat 18 Feb 2023, 14:30
Hornets welcomed local team Clifton to the Nest in their latest National 2 West match and although they didn’t manage to get the win, they came away with a losing bonus point in an outstanding game of rugby.
On the occasion of his 50th Cap Ayden Chenoweth led Hornets out onto a wet pitch in the much-anticipated game against Clifton who completely outplayed Hornets last time out. Clifton sit comfortably in 2nd spot in the league and so it was always going to be a tough encounter, but Hornets were more than a match for the high-flying Clifton.
With a very strong wind blowing across the pitch, it was going to be a tough day for the hookers in the lineouts and to be fair to all they coped well.
The game started at a frantic pace as the fast-flowing rugby by the visitors had the Hornets having to defend their line, but they matched the attacks. Both sides were exchanging possession and some outstanding running by both teams was setting the standard, numerous turnovers by both sides kept the game flowing. Dexter Nettleton and Finn Davis were alive at every breakdown and the strong running Chenoweth was a threat.
Alas, after 21 minutes an attack by Clifton and Charlie Carter was binned for a technical penalty and then with the overlap Clifton scored the first try . 0-5.
Hornets had a few chances including a clean break by Callum Lane and space in behind, but he was unable to offload to the waiting Rob Dempsey who would have had a great chance to score but Clifton managed to clear.
Then a massive blow to Hornets in the way of a Red card to Rueben Browne. Following a scrum and a bit of pushing and shoving by both sides, the referee decided that Browne had committed foul play and issued the card with 28 minutes played. That meant for the duration of the game Hornets would be under enormous pressure.
Hornets managed to defy this pressure and were playing some superb rugby and the half finished with no more scores.
Hornets were in damage limitation mode, but you wouldn’t know it as they were putting Clifton under pressure themselves and had a couple of close calls at scoring but alas it was Clifton who got the first try in the half and extended their lead. 0-10.
It was important that Hornets scored next or else it could have been a whitewash and when the time came Hornets were efficient. Chenoweth made a break in midfield and was deep behind Clifton and the visitors were backpedaling, when quick ball was delivered by Hayden Tuttiett and winger Pierre Tucker squeezed over in the corner and with Carter’s conversion Hornets were back in the game.7-10.
This extra confidence and Hornets were now playing outstanding quality rugby and when Kieran Ward came on to the field to win his 100th Cap, things stepped up another notch for the home team.
Following a penalty on halfway Jamie Elswood kicked it deep into Clifton's 22 and the catch and drive lineout was well executed and the big second row Courtney Harris was on hand to reach for the line to put Hornets in front. 12-10.
This rattled Clifton and they set up attack after attack and increased the intensity to score 2 quick converted tries and the game was slipping away from the spirited Hornets. 12-24.
However, there was still a chance if Hornets could put some phases together to at least get the losing bonus point. Following another penalty and kick to the corner again the lineout was well controlled, and a maul set up and when Ward could see the line, he stretched out to get the score much to the delight of the big crowd and Carter again kicked the conversion from way out wide and the referee blew for full time. Final Score Hornets 19 Clifton 24.
This losing bonus point was well deserved and maybe with 15 on the pitch Hornets might have managed an upset but we will never know. Hornets can be proud of their performance, and it shows that they are more than capable of playing at this level and that the Nest is not an easy place for teams to visit.
Next week Hornets are home against 4th place Hinckley from the midlands and will be looking forward to another challenge as the quest to remain in this league continues.
