Hornets Under-15s complete the cup double after winning the Somerset Cup final

HORNETS Under-15s went into this Somerset Cup final looking for a rare double, after already being crowned Bristol Combination champions.

However, after 10 minutes Wellington raced into an 8-0 lead by scoring a try and a penalty.

Francis took a quick tap penalty to score a converted try at the posts. Still trailing, Hornets scored again when Smith broke through the defence, the move was continued by Thompsons and ended when Xanh went over for a tremendous team try.

With a strong wind now at their backs, Hornets never looked like letting their lead slip, especially when Nicholls scored the next try.

Hornets’ defence was well organised with Smith, Powell, Thompson and Massey all making telling contributions.

Hornet’s captain and talisman Massey then powered over the line for the final try to make the final score 24-8.

Hornets Somerset Cup final squad: Massey (c), Hobbs, Ward, Reseigh, Caulfield, Brake, Greatbanks, Howe, McLaughlin, Smith, Thompson, Brewer, Davidson, Littlewood, Nicholls, Francis, Lowrie, Powell, Saunders, Xanh and Wheeler.

The Under-13s had struggled to form a side this season, so it was pleasing that they managed to take 22 players to their final event, with the support of their new coach Sam Lloyd-Jones.

Hornets found themselves in a strong group dominated by London clubs. Josh Lorriman, Aaron Fry, Jake Thomas and Ewan Tyler-Schofield led the way with strong performances that resulted in five tries for Hornets in three matches.

Good support by Ieuan McCarthy and Harry Hartley and excellent wing play from Ryan Heeney, allowed Jacob Hill and Connor Campbell to score from No 8.

These tries put Hornets in the mix for qualifying for the play-offs, but the team were robbed by two kicks hitting the posts, meaning that the team narrowly missed out.

Josh Hooper led forwards Olly Coppage, Will Hillman and Will Brimble in a fantastic effort all weekend. Fen Acreman and Ed Hill showed experience beyond their years and, supported by Billy Phillips and Sam Aplin, kept the team competitive in all matches.

Player of the tournament was Jack Osborne at full-back.

Last weekend Hornets held their end of season awards ceremony. Players’ player of the year was awarded to Tyler Lee; coaches’ player of the year was Ashley Locker; most improved player went to Connor Campbell.

WINSCOMBE Under-14 players Darren Atkins and Sam Rees both played for England Independent Schools Barbarians (The Lambs) in the Jean Rumeau tournament in Biarritz recently, lifting the trophy after a difficult final against Colomiers.

During the pool phases, the team defeated Dax, Stade Francais and Stade Toulouse, scoring an impressive 69 points in the process. The semi-final with Agen was another tour de force, les Anglais winning 24-0 in a 12 minute match played under French junior rules.

The final, played in the main Biarritz Olympique stadium and shown on local television, was rather more difficult, with the locals showing strong support for Colomiers, but the eventual 0-0 draw left the Lambs triumphant, having scored the greater number of tries in the tournament.