Sat 1 Apr 2023, 15:15
Hornets welcomed locals Old Reds to the Nest in the latest National league 2 West match knowing that a win would guarantee National league rugby next season and although not quite getting the win but picking up another 2 points in a try bonus and losing bonus point along with results elsewhere Hornets will be in this league next season.
Hornets in recent weeks have stuttered at the start but this game was different as in the 4th minute from a lineout Adam Francis made a decisive break in midfield and it was Chris Francis who barreled over, Charlie Carter converted, and Hornets had a lead 7-0
Hornets though are a side that like to attack at pace, and they levelled the scores straight away with a well taken try.7-7
From a scrum in Red’s half a free kick was awarded to Hornets and skipper Matt Parker tapped the ball and set off and Carter was on hand to receive and then deliver the scoring pass to Ozzy James and the lead restore.12-7
Again, Reds came straight back and got another, and their conversion put them in front.12-14
In a fast-flowing game both sides were playing high quality rugby and the pace of the game was very fast and after another attack Carter was able to break free to score a well taken try and the lead changed hands again.17-14.
On 30 minutes the ball was shipped to winger Connor Vickery who outstripped the defence to go over in the corner and it was looking good for Hornets as they went into the break up 22-14.
The second half was as frantic as the first and good attacks were being snuffed out by two sets of organised defences, however it was Reds who got the first and so closed the lead 22-21.
Halfway through the second half and again it was James who scorched down the wing to score and the lead extended, and Carter’s conversion was good 29-21.
Reds though came back again and got another and again the lead was just 1 point 29-28.
5 minutes left and Hornets were deep inside the visitors 22 but the ball was lost, and Reds went down the length of the pitch to score the decisive try 29-33.
Hornets then had a few minutes to attack but alas right at the death the ball was spilled on the line when a score looked imminent but that was that and the ref blew for full time. Final score Hornets 29 Old Reds 33.
In a 10 try thriller at the Nest in front of a large crowd Hornets were disappointed to again just miss out on the victory but the 2 points were good enough on the day.
The Hornets, who are playing National league for the first time this season, have succeeded in their goal of just staying in this league this year and that has been achieved with 2 games to spare. The experience that this team have picked up at this level will hold them in good stead for next season.
Although the wins have been illusive at times, their ability to pick up 14 try bonus points and 8 losing bonus points which is the highest in the league has proved that they are in the right league and with a closed season to prepare for National league rugby again next year excites everyone.
Next match is away at Bournville on the 15th April before Hornets welcome League Champions Leicester Lions to the Nest as the curtain falls on the season.
Next up this week we have 2 cup and vase matches as on Wednesday 5th April Hornets 3rds play Cheddar at the Nest 7.30 kick off.
Thursday 6th April Hornets 2nd XV welcome Wellington 1st XV to the Nest in the Somerset Cup as the super twos represent the Club in this competition for the first time. Kick off 7.30 and Free Entry for all.
