Sat 25 Feb 2023, 14:30
Hornets welcomed Hinckley to the Nest and in a very exciting game came away with the bonus point win.
Hinckley who are also known as the ‘Hornets’ travelled from the midlands on a cold but dry day and helped in the making of probably one of the most entertaining games ever seen at Hutton Moor in a 14 try thriller which was end to end and the quality of rugby by both sides was second to none and with 7 tries apiece it was just the boot of Charlie Carter which separated the teams and Hornets on home soil were the victors.
Having pushed Clifton to the wire last week and the thought that Hornets on the away game at Hinckley had a chance to win but just missing out by a score, this current team were oozing in confidence and a win was definitely achievable and when the final whistle blew it was much in relief as Hornets had just done enough.
With perfect conditions for running rugby both sides were attacking with power and pace and as Hornets were attacking a loose pass was snapped up and intercepted by the Hinckley winger and he scorched to the line for the first try. 0-5
This was the catalyst for Hornets to start again and when Hinckley overthrew the ball at a lineout inside their own half the alert Chris Francis collected the ball and set up superb ball for Hayden Tuttiett to set the backs off and a classic Ozzy James try in the corner was the result. 5-5
Hinckley now were on the front foot and when their scrum half went over the ref had decided that there was crossing in midfield and the try chalked off. To further add to their pain Hornets with the penalty, set up good position and when Connor Vickey stole the ball from his opposite number he then surged to and over the line and Carter’s conversion and a 14-point swing in a flash. 12-5
More pressure in the visitor's half and a penalty and skipper Matt Parker chose the kick at goal and Carter duly obliged. 15-5.
Hornets now were playing outstanding rugby and the visitors were struggling to contain them and from a lineout again Chris Francis was in possession and this time it was Vickery in the wide position to go over and Carter again slotted the extras. 22-5.
If Hornets though they had a good lead going into half time they were wrong as Hinckley are too good to just give up and before you knew it Hinckley had scored 3 quick tries and amazingly went into the break all square 22-22.
The second half was again of a very high quality and neither side were making mistakes but defences again were superb.
Pierre Tucker was narrowly pushed into touch before he could ground the ball following another sweeping move by the backs before Adam Francis made a huge midfield break which got behind Hinckley and when Jamie Elswood set the backs in motion it was the electric Tucker who got his score. 27-22.
Hornets were now on fire, and when the forwards gave the ball to the backs again Adam Francis made the big break in midfield and set off pursued by 4 would be tacklers who he brushed off and the strong running centre was rewarded with a fantastic try under the posts and an easy kick for Carter. 34-22.
More pressure by Hinckley was snubbed out by the defensive play of Hornets and again Hornets were on the attack and were inching towards the try line and were very patient with good ball control and many phases and when the forwards had stopped wearing down the opposition the ball was quickly moved wide, and Tucker was over again. 39-22.
Again, Vickery amazingly stripped the ball in contact from the opposition and set off from halfway, the backs then spun the ball wide and then it was moved infield but by now Hornets were on Hinckley’s line and when Parker received the ball the big no.8 was over and again Carter slotted the extras. 46-22.
Shell-shocked, Hinckley then set about trying to spoil Hornets afternoon as they again scored try after try after try and Hornets were on the back foot, as you have to remember that Hinckley are fourth in this league and they will not just give up.46-41.
With just a couple of minutes left on the clock it was a bit nail biting for the home supporters as Hornets were holding on for the win and when Finn Davis kick passed the ball to Adam Francis the cool-headed centre kicked the ball dead, and the ref blew for full time. Final Score Hornets 46 Hinckley 41.
This was a massive 5-point victory for this side who are improving every week and putting the coach’s plan into action and being rewarded for their efforts. This could prove to be vital as we are now left with some crucial games heading into the end of the season and no more so than next week as Hornets travel to Newport (Salop) and aim to get the very rare double victory over this team as Hornets were victors at the Nest.
