Hornets fell just short following a close encounter after a 25-21 defeat at Old Redcliffians in the National League 2 West but did pick up another valuable bonus point last Saturday.

Hornets made the short trip to Scotland Lane in Bristol full of confidence after beating Dudley Kingswingford 54-22 to claim their first win in seven games last time out.

The first 15 minutes were full on as playing down the slope Reds attacked at pace and after a missed kick at goal the Reds scored a well-worked try by Finn Murphy with Ash Groves adding the conversion put Reds up 7-0. 

Charlie Carter picked up a knock and so had to leave the field with only 27 minutes gone he was replaced by Don Farmer on return to his old club. 

And when Reds had a lineout stolen Hornets sensed their chance and through the forwards got to and over the try line as Reuben Brown was on hand to crash over and Elswood converted to put the scores level.

Unfortunately, almost straight away Brown was yellow carded for what the referee decided was a high tackle from the restart and the Reds punished Hornets straight away with two Harrison Murphy tires as they went into the break 17-7 ahead.

Now with the slope Hornets felt that they were in with a chance but Harrison Murphy went over again followed by Groves’ penalty, along with a yellow card to Kieran Ward and things looked grim for the visitors as they were 25-7 down.

In typical fashion Hornets attacked a lost cause and set about running at Reds with speed and skill. 

Hornets won a penalty on halfway and kicked to the corner and with an attacking lineout, they worked efficiently and Tom Sims was able to score with Elswood converting the extras.

As Reds tired and Hornets stepped up, a midfield break by Danny Bailey and the centre ran in from halfway to score with the Elswood once again successful with his kick with six minutes left on the clock.

But time sadly ran out as Hornets were beaten by four points.

This Saturday Hornets welcome leaders Luctonians to the Nest at 2:30pm.