Hornets RFC

Hornets took the short trip to Dings in their latest National 2 West league match and after stuttering in the last 2 games where they didn’t manage to pick up any points at all they were determined to come away from Shaftesbury Park with at least something and in a superb second half effort Hornets gained both a try bonus and a losing bonus point.  

The Dings sit in third spot and are looking to finish the season strong as the top Bristol side and Hornets are towards the bottom of the league and so all to play for. 

It didn’t start particularly well for Hornets playing against a very strong wind, as a lineout loss allowed Dings to put pressure on the pack and a clearance kick by Dec Dorrington was charged down and a simple run in for Dings but amazingly the simple kick was missed. 5-0 

Hornets then attempted an attack from their own 22 but surprisingly Charlie Carter was unable to hold on to a pass and a scrum was awarded to the home team who took full advantage, they got deep into Hornets half and were awarded a penalty and before Hornets could regather their composure the electric Dings scrum half had tapped and was off and rounded the posts for a well taken try and conversion and Hornets were down by 12.. 

Into the strong wind Hornets realised they had to use their strength by running with the ball and when Pierre Tucker made a fantastic break down the left flank he was well supported by the veteran Rob Dempsey who was just stopped short of the line but the damage was done and when Adam Francis was on hand the centre was over for Hornets first of the afternoon. And some hope. 12-5. 

Again, the Dings scrum half who was fantastic all afternoon was able to get another to snuff out some solid defence and extend the lead. 19-5. 

Hornets then set up a series of attacks and had Dings pinned on their line but solid defence kept Hornets out and on one occasion Hornets did get over the line but were held up and so a clearance kick for Dings and they were able to clear. After a couple of penalties Hornets found themselves on their own 5 metre line defending a lineout and efficiently Dings were able to get their bonus point try.24-5. 

Hornets were now up against it and decided they had to attack to at least get back on the scoresheet. 

Dorrington’s quick thinking following a penalty to Hornets on their own 22 and the scrum half set off and got into Ding’s half, the ball shipped to Tucker who again sped off and in support was Dempsey who was on hand to take the final pass and Hornets scored a super break way try to give them hope and halftime 24-10. 

Shortly after the break Andy Wheller pulled up injured and the inform Connor Vickery entered the fray. 

A lapse of concentration by the visitors and a relatively soft try was conceded by Hornets and were looking beaten. 31-10. 

With over thirty minutes left Hornets then set about completely dominating the game as they constantly surged forward and were deep inside Ding’s 22 and a simple pop pass to Courtney Harris and the big second row was over and importantly, he scored under the posts and an easy kick for Carter.31-17. 

From the restart Hornets again on the ascendancy and got close again but again the ball held up over the line. The drop out allowed Dings to clear, but Hornets kept coming. This resulted in a midfield break by Tucker who slipped the ball to Carter who looked sure to score but the tackle was again top drawer and for the third time Hornets were held up over the line. 

Dings were on the back foot and a couple of attacks again snuffed out by the final tackle on the line and Hornets just couldn’t get their fourth try but were determined not to give up. 

Again, Hornets had Dings on the back foot and Hornets were patient and only went for the score when they had full control and when Ayden Chenoweth popped up in midfield, he was strong enough to go over much to the delight of the travelling supporters and with the simple kick for Carter they had the bonus point try and were in the losing bonus point position as well.31-24. 

With only seconds left on the clock the restart and Dings were relieved to be able to clear the ball and so allow the ref to blow for full time and they were happy to finish with their bonus point win as the next attack by Hornets could have levelled the game. Final score Dings 31 Hornets 24. 

Although disappointed to let another game slip away following an average first half performance Hornets can at least take credit for not giving up and finished the game on the ascendancy and again the second half was won by the ever-improving Hornets.  

2 massive away points were collected in this game as Hornets inched themselves away from the relegation zone but are still very much in the battle as there are just 3 games left and the opportunity to stay in this league is still very much alive. 

Next week Hornets welcome another Bristol Club to the Nest as Old Reds will be the visitors with a delayed 3.15 pm kick off to allow the 2nds and 3rds to play Old Reds in friendlies at 12.30. 

This could be a massive game as a victory on Saturday would secure National League status for next season.