HORNETS 22 pts THORNBURY 15 pts - HORNETS maintained their unbeaten home record with a workmanlike display against their powerful visitors from Gloucestershire.

HORNETS 22 pts

THORNBURY 15 pts

HORNETS maintained their unbeaten home record with a workmanlike display against their powerful visitors from Gloucestershire.

With a strong wind making kicking options difficult, Hornets dominated the early play with a good combination between forwards and backs, with the back row of Disney, Griffiths and Geddes particularly prominent.

This was typified by the Hornets' opening try by second row Ben Barker, who crossed following an attacking line-out won by Chris Disney.

The second try followed a similar pattern when pressure on the Thornbury fly-half caused his clearance kick to be charged down and Greg Speller was on hand to accept a gift try.

With kicking into the strong wind virtually impossible, both conversions were missed, but leading 10-0 at half time, the Hornets could be well pleased with their efforts.

The second half opened in a similar fashion, with the Hornets pack in the ascendancy and it was no surprise when flanker Griffiths crossed for their third try, following more pressure by the pack.

The game turned in favour of the visitors as Hornets appeared to relax and allow Thornbury to get back into the game. The visitors scored when weak tackling in midfield allowed Thornbury to go over near the posts.

This setback seemed to stimulate the home side and they increased their lead through centre James Dibble, who benefitted from an excellent break by full-back Nick Francis.

James Cox successfully converted and with the score now at 22-5, victory appeared to be secure.

However, Thornbury finished the game the stronger side and scored two more unconverted tries to bring the final score a lot closer than it should be.

Although there were big improvements in this performance, a lot of work needs to be done in certain areas, particularly in the line-out and midfield defence.

Tomorrow, Hornets face a difficult game away to Barton Hill, who at present are unbeaten and are top of the league.

Old Morganians RFC 37 pts

Hornets 3rds 17 pts

HORNETS Thirds led by stand-in captain Darren Armstrong travelled to Old Morganians and scored first when Rich West chipped over the opposition winger and full-back Connor Hull caught the ball to score between the posts, converted by Rob Owen.

When lock Mike Ryan went off injured, the Old Morganians had the put in at the scrum, where they moved the ball through the backs, but it was a forward that touched down.

Hornets came back when scum-half Nigel Babb went on the blind side of a scrum and fed the ball to Rich West who scored.

The Old Morganians won the ball from the kick off and were given a scrum just before the half time whistle, where their forwards drove the ball over the Hornets try line to level the game at 12-12 at the break.

There was some excellent defensive work, with big tackles made by Chaz Gomm, but when Chris Sadler had to go off to replace a contact lens, the Old Morganians took advantage to drive over the try line again.

Hornets, back to full strength, were awarded a penalty, when the ball was carried over the line by Gomm.

Old Morganians continued to attack and scored three more tries before the final whistle, one of which was from a penalty.

Mention to the four debutants who played well - Wayne Salwat, Brendon Gomm, Rich West and Jason Burrell.