Missed conversion gifts Hornets a narrow victory

HORNETS Under-13s played their first game for a month at home to North Petherton.

North Petherton were first to score in the corner, but the try was not converted. Hornets stepped up a gear and began to get the ball wide. A superb team move resulted in Tom Derrick touching down under the posts, converted by Sol Midgley.

The second half was more of the same with good Hornets passing, also winning most of the scrums and line-outs and man of the match George Flack showing how to tackle.

A further good team move, helped by some slick off-loads, resulted in a second try in the corner by Harry McFarling. A clever kick over the top by North Petherton ended with the visitors scoring a try near to the posts.

The conversion would have tied the score, but Hornets rushed the kicker to put him off and it went wide. Hornets won an even game 12-10 and should be proud of their efforts.

The Under-16s travelled to play Chard and returned with a fine 39-0 victory.

Hornets began strongly and Hancock, Dover and Eades were soon up to speed. Deep into Chard’s half, a text book line-out was taken by Richardson and Wall chipped behind the defence and won the footrace to open the scoring.

A Chard line-out in their own 22 was stolen by Dover, the next surge came from Eades and in a flash the ball spun along the line for Turner to go over, converted by Humphris.

The forwards were beginning to dominate and Constable and Francis secured excellent ball for Humphris to launch another attack and this time Chamberlain came into the line to score.

Right on half-time another all-round effort got Hornets close again and Williams spotted Richardson lurking out on the wing and a swift pass and the skipper scored.

Dolcezza, Tanner and Foroughi all had fine games and Holyday opened the scoring in the second half, before Turner crossed for another two tries to complete his hat-trick.

Despite the drizzle, a swarm of 26 Under-9s welcomed Yatton to Hutton Moor for three games of excellent rugby from both sides.

Yatton pinched game one with some dogged defence, driving Hornets back deep in to their own half and then utilised the turnover ball to their advantage.

Hornets won the second game with some decisive attacking and solid defence, which allowed Hornets to build a lead they retained to the end.

In the final game, it was another close affair. After a poor start, Hornets managed to play themselves back into the game and pull back the gap in the scoreline. With time running out and Hornets on the attack, a loose pass in the contact allowed Yatton to go the length of the field and score.

Missing eight players, the Under-15s, lost narrowly to Stothert & Pitt.

After a scoreless first-half, Hornets took the lead when Charlie Camper touched down. Casper Harriott pinned back Stothert with some great kicking and Josh Cooke and Camper defended well.

Stothert broke out to take the lead with a converted try and Hornets finished the game camped on the Stothert line.

Special mention to the pack of Lewis Rickwood, Conrad, Ethan Harris, Andrew Meaghan, Tom Bailey, Ieuan Walters and Callum Leonard who were excellent. Man of the match was Charlie Camper.

FORMER Hornets player Josh Caulfield made his debut in the second row for England Under-18s in their 39-27 victory over Scotland at Newcastle.

He worked his way through the age groups and for Priory School and played up a year for the Colts before he was taken on by Exeter, where he currently plays.

WESTON Under-12s drew 10-10 with Bridgwater in an exciting encounter.

Bridgwater were excellent in defence, but Weston also failed to make best use of their available backs when tries looked certain.

Bridgwater also bravely held up Weston as they crossed the line several times with forward surges as Weston only led by a solitary try from Tom Burge at half-time.

Weston made six changes for the second half, with Tianna Franks making her debut joining Ruby Richardson and Lottie Dadds in the line up.

Bridgwater drew level with a powerful blindside run. Weston returned with Morgan Taylor who got to within a yard of the line, while David Oputu had three powerful runs and came close on each occasion.

Player of the match Dylan Way restored the advantage catching a loose kick at pace to run 20 yards to the line. Bridgwater were not to be beaten and from one of the few occasions that either team actually passed the ball, their threequarter line scored.

The Under-7s hosted a good Bridgwater side and went behind when the visitors scored with a well-drilled manoeuvre. Weston were not outplayed, putting in some good moves themselves.

Adam Donachie was first to break through the Bridgwater defence to score his first of many tries with some defence splitting footwork. It took a while for Sam Bishop to get into it, but once he found his feet he burst through to score.

William Stiddard is improving and supported well, but credit goes to the Morgan twins who put in a solid performance, with Samuel supporting every move and Oliver was a constant threat to the visitors, bravely tagging one end, then scoring at the other.

The Under-6s were home against Bridgwater where both teams put out strong sides in difficult conditions.

Dillon Drinkwater was again strong in attack, powering through the Bridgwater defence and was able to secure some good tries. Frankie Moore and Haydn Arnold linked up well together, passing superbly to add to the score line.

Tristan Kitson, new to the team, showed his outstanding pace and was able to link up with Fred Cox and both displayed great determination throughout.

Most improved player has to go to Charlie Hudson, who managed to put some great passes together and looked impressive.