Hornets missed out after a very tight game with Exeter University students but picked up a losing bonus point for their efforts as they were beaten 33-27 in their final National 2 West game at The Nest in 2023 last Saturday.

Hornets took the game to Exeter early on but found themselves behind as the visitors opened the scoring through Milo Hallam in the fifth minute and Jack Park added the extras.

From the restart Hornets had the students under pressure, and when they were offside in midfield Jamie Elswood kicked over a penalty to move the hosts within four points.

Exeter, however, were rewarded for their attacks when they went over again through Edward Volley in the 16th minute and the conversion by Pack had opened up the lead.

After a deliberate knock on by Exeter, the students were punished with a penalty and a yellow card to Volley which led to Hornets' first try of the contest.

After winning a penalty eight-metres out, quick thinking by Hornets allowed Sam Taylor to dive for the line to get the try and Elswood was again accurate and the gap was closed.

But Exeter increased their lead when they stole a lineout and went over through James Boylan and after a midfield mix up the students scampered in for their bonus point try through Toby Ferguson.

In the last stages of the first half and the ball found its way to Ayden Chenoweth, who was lurking on the wing and he had the presence to dive over in the corner and the conversion was kicked over by Elswood as Exeter went into half-time 26-17 ahead.

Exeter came out in the second half hoping to grind the visitors down but a barrage of attacking rugby was snuffed out by outstanding defence by Hornets, who frustrated the visitors and Elswood went over to move the hosts within a two-point margin.

Exeter, however, opened up the lead again with 20 minutes left when Jared Williams went over before, following another offside, Elswood slotted home a penalty kick to move Hornets within six points.

The last 20 minutes was about as physical as you could get but in the last couple of minutes Hornets had one last chance at getting their fourth try and conversion, which would of won the game.

But misfortune from the Hornets continued and the ball was spilt and the referee blew for full-time brining down an end to their year with defeat.