In a remarkable display of teamwork, heart and skill, Hornets U14’s emerged 38-7 victors in the Somerset County Cup Final against a strong and well drilled Taunton side on Sunday 28th April. 

Having previously played against Taunton and lost with their heaviest defeat of the season, Hornets went into the game as the underdogs, but that didn’t prevent the team from going into the game with ultimate focus on the prize.

The game was held at Weston-super-Mare RFC which gave Hornets the local advantage and a strong crowd turned out for the game to support the amber and black.

However, with their U15s also playing in their final afterwards Taunton themselves had strong support, which only served to provide a lively atmosphere in their first cup final.

To add to the spectacle Taunton U15s and their supporters created a tunnel before the game to support their team as the players ran out onto the pitch and which was intimidating for the Hornets lads, but they took to the field with an unwavering determination. 

Right from the kick-off, it was evident that this match would be one to remember.

Taunton dominated possession early on maintaining a strong field possession and a game play that worked to their strengths with strong ball carriers keeping the game tight and solid through the middle.  

After their previous experience in the season the Hornets players were resolute and focused around the contact area knowing that they needed to be effective with every tackle and ruck situation, competing in those areas when required but also maintaining their defensive line when the ball was recycled and distributed.

 

A quick turnover ball gave Hornets the space to play their quick running game and a breakaway try and conversion from a prop out pacing a winger put the first points on the board for the hornets, settling their nerves and giving them confidence that they could compete in the game.

From then on the match was about the Hornets defence and game management, knowing when to pass and when to kick, with the fly half executing a number chips and kicks in behind the hard rushing defence of Taunton, putting them on the back foot.

More tries followed from Hornets, and they went into half time 19-0 up.

The second half followed a similar path to the start of the first half with Taunton coming back out with more will and desire to get back in the game and they initially dominated possession.

Once again the defence held out, one on one tackles were consistently effective and support players close by competed in the contact zone which stifled Taunton’s attack.

The Hornets players demonstrated a level of resilience and teamwork that we hadn’t seen all season which surpassed their years.

Every tackle, every pass, every attack was executed with precision and purpose, leaving Taunton struggling to keep pace.

Hornets ran in another try before Taunton came back with their own following some loose play in the middle of the field, but once again the Hornets players moved on to the next job and ran in another two tries to push the game out of sight.

As the final whistle blew the scoreboard confirmed their victory with a commanding score line of 38-7. Hornets scored six tries from six different players, highlighting their teamwork.

Both teams showcased exceptional maturity and sportsmanship in a game of high intensity, representing the true spirit of rugby.

This was Hornets’ first Somerset Cup win at U14s level and with a restructure of the game next season that will effectively remove the U14s cup, this team will hold that title forever more.