Hornets 31 pts Old Centralians 23 pts - HORNETS opened their league campaign with a hard-working win over their visitors from Gloucester by virtue of a dominant display by the pack in the scrums and loose.

Hornets 31 pts

Old Centralians 23 pts

HORNETS opened their league campaign with a hard-working win over their visitors from Gloucester by virtue of a dominant display by the pack in the scrums and loose.

Old Centralians opened the scoring when Jamie Cole took advantage of a blatant knock-on which was missed by the referee to score in the corner.

The arrears were reduced by captain Sam Lloyd-Jones who kicked a penalty following pressure by the forwards. Hornets first try also came from sustained pressure at a scrum in the visitors' 22 when the ball popped out and Chris Disney was on hand to go over near the posts and Lloyd-Jones converted to put them ahead by 10 points to five.

Old Centralians came more into the game and following a penalty, they took the lead when Jamie Cole took advantage of poor cover tackling to cross under the posts, making the conversion a formality. With the half-time whistle blowing, the visitors led 15-13.

More good play by Old Centralians back division gave Jamie Cole the opportunity to score his third try and with the Gloucester side now leading by 20 points to 13, Hornets needed to up their game.

At this point, Lloyd-Jones, who started the match at full-back, switched to his more favoured position of fly-half and started bringing Hornets back into the game. Chris Disney scored his second try following a break-out by the pack and the side were back in the game at 20-18.

Although Old Centralians kicked another penalty, Hornets were now in control and when Lloyd-Jones squeezed over in the corner, his try levelled the scores at 23 points each.

Hornets fourth try was scored by Jack Simmonds following more powerful work by the pack, whose pick and drive tactics caused problems for the Gloucester side all through the game.

Lloyd-Jones had the final work as his long-range penalty brought his personal tally to 16 points.

A special word for Hornets hard-working pack with Ben Baker, Dan Cullum and Chris Disney particularly prominent. One area of concern was the line-out which did not function at all well and work needs to be done in this area before the next league game away to Old Redcliffians on Saturday.

Tor 3rds 53 pts

Hornets RFC 3rds 0 pts

HORNETS 3rds travelled to Tor for their first league fixture of the season, putting together their first full travelling side for almost 10 months.

A mixture of new players alongside experienced players and Damian Hewlett leading as the new captain saw them put in a promising performance that was full of commitment and enthusiasm.

The Tor side was strong and well organised and the final score did do justice to Hornets for their valiant effort playing against a few possible ringers in the opposition.

Hornets played several debutants, Ed Russ, James Lawrence, Leroy Lawrence and Aron Moffatt, but Hornets man of the match went to Chaz Malone.

Hornets 3rds are still looking for more players, if you would like to come and join, training is on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm and their next match is at home on Saturday against Wellington 3rds. Contact: Damian Hewlett 07830 051806