Hornets will have the chance to prove themselves again when they host Old Centralians this Saturday, says head coach Jon Richardson.

Richardson and his side return to the Nest for their first home game of 2022 as they look to bounce back from their disappointing 13-8 defeat at Launceston last weekend.

It was Hornets first league loss in over two years since being beaten 31-17 at North Petherton on January 4 2020, a total of 21 straight wins.

In that period the country has been in a Coronavirus pandemic, Hornets secured promotion to South West Premier, picked up the Bristol Combination Cup and led the South West Premier after beating every side in the first period.

And despite feeling their perfect run would come to an end at some time this season, Richardson expects his side to get back to winning ways against the Old Cents.

“We can’t wait for the chance to prove ourselves again,” added Richardson.

“The whole squad was disappointed on Saturday. It was a very muddy pitch and terrible weather but that can’t be an excuse so what better way to bounce back than in front of our home support at the Nest where we just love to play.

“We always expected it go at some point. Being promoted into this league we were and still are punching way above our weight, mixing it with relegated sides and well established sides at this level was always going to be a challenge.

“But it’s only one loss we need to recover quickly and get the hunger to win back as I felt that was lacking a touch on Saturday.”

Saturday’s meeting will be the first encounter since a 32-31 victory at the Saintbridge Sports Centre in September.

After being 21-6 and 28-13 down Hornets dug deep to come from behind to claim a crucial five points.

“When we played Old Cents away at the start of the season they were a really good side,” Richardson added.

“They are up and down with their results but we don’t know why that is. Hopefully they’ll bring another challenge to the Nest and give our boys a test they can relish.

“It was a really tough game and we were lucky to win it so as always we know we’ll have to put in a performance on Saturday to get a result.”