Hornets lost their first match of the season against North Bristol.

North Bristol 23 pts

Hornets 18 pts

HAVING made the trip to Almondsbury, Hornets were confident that the dry conditions would suit their expansive running game.

The home side threatened first before Hornets cleared their lines with a penalty. Woken up by the onslaught, Hornets moved upfield and were awarded a penalty which was duly dispatched by Jermaine Jones.

Soon after, Jones intercepted a pass on halfway and had the legs to outstrip the defence and cross the line in the corner.

North Bristol came straight back from the restart and within minutes were back in the visitors 22. With a line-out 10 metres out, they caught and drove for the line, their forwards powering over to claim a try which was converted.

The highlight of the final few minutes of the half came from a break down the wing from a line-out that saw Kent, Hogarth and Speller all combine in a 25 metre gain as the teams went into the break, 8-7 to the Hornets.

The second half started with North Bristol coming out firing, crossing for a converted try. From the restart, Hornets took their turn to run through some phases and were rewarded with a 5 metre scrum. The pack held firm and got the nudge in the set piece which was enough for Speller at No 8 to score to reduce the gap to one point.

Errors gave the home side a chance to get back into the game, taking advantage of a penalty to extend their lead to 17-13. Hornets replied with a try for Middlemiss, who crossed for the third Hornets try, again unconverted, but it did give the away side the lead again.

From the restart, Hornets infringed in front of their posts and North Bristol kicked the penalty to retake the lead. The visitors had a chance to reply, but poor decision making saw the chance lost.

With time was running out, North Bristol kicking a further penalty on the stroke of full-time, giving a final score of 23-18, leaving Hornets to settle for the losing bonus point and clinging on to a three point lead at the top of the table.

On Saturday, they entertain Old Bristolians at the nest, kick off is at 3pm.

Hornets 2nd XV 30 pts

Oldfield 19 pts

FROM the kick-off, Hornets were determined not to be beaten at home. With the forwards dominating at the breakdown, the backs saw quick ball to allow S Owens to touch down.

More pressure from Hornets led to a penalty by J Lawrence, before Oldfield replied with a try. J Partridge crossed for two tries before Oldfield again crossed the line for a half-time score of 18-12.

Oldfield scored first after the break, but good play by N Chenoweth set up J Mounsden for a try. S Owens outpaced the Oldfield defence to touch down for his second try as Hornets ran out 30-19 winners.