A SUNNY September afternoon marked the first competitive game for the Hornettes, who took on Bridgwater Ladies at home.

A SUNNY September afternoon marked the first competitive game for the Hornettes, who took on Bridgwater Ladies at home.

Unfortunately, following a spirited display, the Hornettes succumbed to defeat as Bridgwaters' dynamic back row took their chances, which saw the Hornettes on the wrong side of a 34-5 scoreline.

The first quarter saw an exchange of knock-ons and scrums, when the first twist in the game occurred. Following a Bridgwater put-in, despite pressure from Tanya Carver-Cox on the open-side, they quickly popped the ball out to the wing to score in the corner. A missed conversion had the scoreboard at 5-0 with 20 minutes of the first half to go.

The second try of the game came from the Bridgwater blindside, who crossed in the corner and, with the conversion made, the score of 12-0 failed to do justice to the Hornettes forwards, in particular the tenacious tackling of Tanya Carver-Cox

An unconverted try from Bridgwater was quickly followed by a converted effort from their open side. With all three of their back row now having made the score sheet, the conversion concluded the first half at 24-0.

The Hornettes fought back in the second half, and a good passage of play and safe handling from the Hornettes winger Tori Bird almost saw the Hornettes second row Cat John make it over the try-line.

Bridgwater handling the ball on the floor at a ruck resulted in a penalty for the Hornettes, who rapidly played the ball to the wing where, in a display of strength and determination, Bird carried two tacklers over the whitewash to put the Hornettes on the scoreboard. A missed conversion attempt took the score to 24-5.

The game concluded with a further two unconverted tries from Bridgwater, fatigue appearing to take its toll on the Hornettes defence in the final quarter.

Despite the scoreline, the home side had plenty to be proud of, demonstrating good teamwork, and some standout performances from their fly-half Kim Mcloughlin, prop Trish Chenoweth, and the back row of Keri Kenned, Tanya Carver-Cox and Carly Hayward.

Any ladies 18 and over interested in playing rugby please contact Jenny Cockayne 07717 790838.

Rachel Stafford makes a break with Tanya Carver-Cox(right) & Zoe Holtby in support

Photo by PatrickKhachfe