Hornets put in a spirited display against high-flying Luctonians in their latest National 2 West league match but were beaten 30-17 at The Nest last Saturday.

The first 16 minutes were played at a high pace and intensity and the two sides cancelled each other out until Louis Silver kicked over a penalty for the league leaders after Hornets were adjudged to be offside.

From the restart Luctonians could only kick the ball out to George Timmins, who made a typical hard strong run and shipped the ball into the path of Adam Francis. He made a break in midfield and played a long pass outside to full-back Luke Graham to go over and put Hornets ahead.

Luctonians were left shell-shocked but retaliated well and earned themselves a line-out and an effective catch and drive from Sebastian Robinson-Hall to go back in front.
 
Right on half-time when Hornets were defending a line-out on their own 5m line which led to Luctonians benefitting and scoring through Ben Link, which Silver added the extras to put the visitors 15-5 ahead at half-time.

The second half was just as intense and defences held firm by both sides before Luctonians sniffed and opportunity and efficiently scored again through Josh Watkins and and Silver was once again successful with his conversion.

But while attempting a clearance kick inside their own half Luctonians had their kick charged down by Timmins and the ball was won and recycled by a rampant Hornets pack and the ball sped down the line to Pierre Tucker, who went over in the corner and converted by Jamie Elswood to put Hornets were back in the game.

And after Hornets launched an attack Dec Dorrington found himself in acres of space all alone and he had the pace to get to the line and Luctonians were taken aback as the hosts moved them five points behind.

With time running out and Hornets looked to cause an upset but conceded a penalty right in front of the posts and Silver was successful with his kick.

Hornets had a short time to try and get their fourth try, which would have resulted in two bonus points but unfortunately a very well executed training ground line-out and midfield break saw Robert Aikman go over for their bonus point try.

Hornets have a trip this Saturday to the Midlands to face Bournville in their final game of the first half of the season.