Hornets RFC

It’s been another busy week for the Nest Boys as with Cup, Vase and League action taking place the end of the season is fast approaching but with lots still going on.  

Also, this week a bonus fixture on Wednesday night as the Navy Boys are in Town! 

Following on from last weekend’s Cup and Vase action, on Thursday night Hornets 2nd XV travelled to play Weston-Super-Mare 1st XV in the Somerset Cup and in front of a large, vocal crowd made up mainly of Hornet’s supporters, it was the home side who eventually came out on top but not without the Hornets putting on a spirited display pushing them all the way and a performance by the 2s well worth Head coach Jack Gadd along with all other Hornets supporters and Committee paying to watch!   

We wish Dan Swaby well after fracturing his cheek bone in this game, get well soon Swarbo!  

Having come runners up in their league the 2s can reflect on a superb season so far and with still more Cup action coming up this Saturday 22nd April v Taunton 2nd XV and I’m sure some boys will be involved against the Navy. 

Hornets 1st XV are still playing National League rugby as they travelled to Bournville in Birmingham for the penultimate game of the season and with all the pressure off as National League status was secured with 2 games to play the team were able to relax a bit and play some free flowing rugby but with the Hosts still playing to stay up knew it was always going to be another tough encounter and that is what happened as although couldn’t quite again get the away victory did still manage to pick up a try bonus point and just missed out on the losing point. Bournville got the win they were after and so Hornets can look forward to returning to them next season in the League. Both teams scored 6 tries in a high scoring game. 

Rob Dempsey led the team out on the occasion of his 160th Cap and final game for Hornets as the veteran now is off to pastures new on a new career in Cornwall and Hornets wish him all the best and thank him for his service over many years at the Nest and we wish him good luck as he is running in the London Marathon next weekend. Thank you Dempo. 

Bournville got off to a superb start as they showed their intentions early on and got the first try and shortly after that were awarded a penalty in front of the posts and Hornets in a flash were 10 down. 

From the restart however, Hornets won a turnover and when the ball was on the floor in a ruck it was the alert Kieran Ward who picked it up and set off to go over under the posts to make an easy conversion for Charlie Carter. 10-7. 

With everything to play for Bournville again managed a couple of scores and Hornets again were 2 scores down 24-7. 

Hornets needed to be next to score and following quality ball shipped down the line Ozzy James went over in the corner and again Carter converted.24-14. 

A dropped ball at the restart allowed Bournville more possession and a soft try and the lead extended.29-14. 

Following a scrum Matt Parker broke and found Chris Francis who was able to crash over, Carter again converted to get back in the game. 29-21. 

Alas Bournville got another penalty as the half ended 32-21. 

In the second half Hornets needed to score first to keep the pressure on and following a penalty it was Ayden Chenoweth who got the bonus point try but Carter’s conversion hit the post.32-26. 

With the game flowing from end to end it was Bournville who got the next and extended their lead once more 39-26. 

Bournville now were under enormous pressure and when Hornets looked like scoring on their line a penalty for deliberate offside was awarded to Hornets but no penalty try but a yellow to the Bournville hooker. 

With the extra player, Hornets now had their chance to attack, and they did as Ward got his second before Connor Vickery got a well worked try and a conversion by Carter and Hornets were within a point.39-38. 

Hornets however, came close in the last few minutes but were just held short before a breakaway by Bournville secured their win and the ref blew for full time. Final score Bournville 46 Hornets 38. 

Although missing out by just a few points Hornets proved again that up against an established National league team like Bournville they can really compete and will look forward to many games like this again next season. 

This next Saturday will be the final League game against the League Champions Leicester Lions who will be playing National 1 rugby next season. Kick off for this game is 3pm as in a curtain raiser at 12 midday Hornets 2nd XV play Taunton 2nd XV in their last pool match in the Somerset Cup. 

Before that Hornets will be playing a fixture against the Royal Navy on Wednesday night 19th April, kick off 7.30pm. 

Free entry for everyone as we welcome all to enjoy a feast of rugby at the Nest in a very prestigious fixture as we pit ourselves against one of the Armed Forces. 

Thursday night (20th) the 3rd XV travel to Wellington 2nd XV in the latest Somerset Vase competition, kick off at 7.30.pm