Hornettes ladies lost narrowly in a top of the table clash against Chipping Sodbury.

HORNETTES ladies travelled to Chipping Sodbury for a top of the table clash and were narrowly beaten 12-7.

Hornettes were without a number of key players and needed to play some players out of position.

From the kick-off, the Hornettes’ forwards took the game to Sodbury, excellent carrying from props Abbey Constable and Charlotte Cooper-Cox were to the fore. They were well supported by Sara Curtis, Claire Hixson and Donne Janes. The visitors were reduced to 14 players due to a yellow card, but managed to hold out.

Restored back to a full 15, Sodbury managed to score a converted try. Just before the break, Curtis was yellow carded and Sodbury scored another try to lead 12-0.

The start of the second half saw fly-half MJ Jenkins and full-back Leanie Swannsbury using the wind to keep Sodbury pinned in their own half. This was reinforced by the tackling of Amy Clarke and Kim Sweating.

With Curtis back on the field, it was the turn of Sodbury to lose a player and Hornettes took advantage when Kerrianne Williams ran in unopposed from 40 metres to score under the posts. Emily Pearce kicked the conversion to make it 12-7 with 10 minutes to go.

Unfortunately, the visitors lost Hixson and Williams to injury and the team had to play the last few minutes a player short and were unable to regain the upper hand.

Anyone interested in playing for the ladies, please contact Emma on 07429 868505 or email Emma on hornettesladies@gmail.com

HORNETS Under-13 girls entertained Exeter at the Nest ahead of the England-Wales game.

Exeter started with a quick try, but Hornets responded quickly with Megan Snook using her pace to score the first of her two tries. The rest of the half saw Exeter score 10 more tries, but Hornets did not make it easy as they tackled ferociously.

The second half saw the hosts score three more tries. Phoebe Santo picked up and dived over after good teamwork. Meg Snook scored her second try and Jess Smith showed her pace to run 40 metres to score.

Exeter were still scoring well and the final score was 20 tries to four in Exeter’s favour, but Hornets played with enthusiasm and heart and for a new team, they did themselves proud.

The girls would like to thank kit sponsors the RAF for their support.

Any girls aged 10-12 years who like to give rugby a go, please contact team manager Jenny Cockayne for more information on 07717 790838. The club is also looking to recruit for an Under-15 team next season.