Hornets Under-16s prove too strong for Cheltenham.

HORNETS Under-16s began the new season with a tremendous display against a strong Cheltenham side who had beaten the Hornets in this fixture the previous year.

Hornets raced into a 10 point lead with tries from Wheller and Thompson. Things were looking all too easy and the Hornets paid the price when Cheltenham hit back with a drop goal and two tries to take a 15-10 lead.

Hornets hit back and despite two disallowed efforts from Lowrie, Francis touched down, making the half-time score 15 apiece.

After the break, Cheltenham struck first with a converted try, but Hornets responded with a 20 minute spell of breathtaking rugby. First fly-half Nicholls sent Francis away on a 70 metre break for a superb try, soon followed by Littlewood’s blindside burst for Hornets’ fifth try.

Alex Colborne then smashed over from a tap penalty, followed by the try of the match after Balkham’s break, quick handling resulted in Nicholls diving over. Cheltenham hit back with a late converted try to make the final score 39-29 to Hornets.

Ward, who led his pack brilliantly, was awarded man of the match sponsored by the Woolpack.

The Under-13s welcomed Winscombe to Hutton Moor and started in fine style, Derham found space and went over for the first try, converted by Humphris.

Then Hornets got a scrum close to Winscombe’s line and Solomon barged his way over. Robinson put the visiting half-backs under pressure, along with his back row colleagues, Holyday and Parkman.

Winscombe replied with a converted try, but this shook Hornets into action and when Holyday made a sharp break, he offloaded to Solomon to score from the halfway line.

In the second half, Winscombe scored their second try. Mohide collected the kick off and passed to Holyday, who in turn found Solomon, who then completed his hat-trick to make the final score 24-14 to Hornets.

This was a great performance by the whole squad, especially Robinson, Holyday and Solomon.