HORNETS surrendered their unbeaten record against Old Richians, a side from Gloucester who showed more desire and determination than their hosts which saw them progress to the quarter-finals of the National Senior Vase.

HORNETS surrendered their unbeaten record against Old Richians, a side from Gloucester who showed more desire and determination than their hosts which saw them progress to the quarter-finals of the National Senior Vase.

A possible trip to Twickenham was not motivation enough for the Hornets side that took the field on Saturday. Although they started brightly, taking control of the early possession and territory, it was clear from the outset that the visitors wanted it more on the day.

This was confirmed after 11 minutes when the Richians centre accelerated through a gap in the defence to score under the posts, the conversion was successful. The visitors extended their lead shortly afterwards through a penalty to take the score to 10-0.

Hornets fought back and made inroads into the Gloucester sides 22 from the restart. There progression up field coming from several phases of good old fashioned attacking forwards play. This ended with Sean Kent being driven over the line by his forwards and with Paul Sheppard adding the extras they were back in contention.

However, this didn’t bring about a change in the game and Richians were soon on the attack again causing problems in the defence. The visitors scored another try and Hornets found themselves turning around at the break trailing 17-7.

In the second half, Hornets came out showing more passion and purpose, attacking their opponent’s line at every opportunity. This continued throughout the half and for long spells they found themselves camped on the visitor’s line, only to be left without a score.

The only points of the half were all for Richians as they struck two further penalties to make the final score 23-7.

Hornets have only themselves to blame for the result as they were left wanting on too many occasions and in all areas of the park. They now need to pick themselves up this week as Saturday sees a return to league action and the visit of Imperial.

With their nearest rivals now having played their game in hand, the gap at the top of the league is only eight points so another poor performance could prove costly.

? HORNETS Thirds opened the scoring through captain and scrum-half Damian Hewlett who crashed over off the back of a scrum. Then Chaz Malone offloaded to flanker Sean Davidson who went under the posts to score.

The dominance at scrum time was obvious and another good push saw Hewlett go over again. Decisive running from centres Dennis Hull and Joe Beaney saw the latter weave his way through to score.

No 8 Malone soon claimed his own try, followed by another just before the break by flanker Sean Steadman as the first half ended 36-0.

Castle Cary were first to score in the second half with a converted try. Hornets soon responded with the leadership of Dave Jones and were rewarded when Beaney crossed the line for his second try, converted by Rob Owen who kicked five conversions during in total.

Winger Andy Parker took his chance to score and the final try came when Sam Baker moved to No 8. With the whole pack driving forward, man of the match Hewlett dived over for his hat-trick.