Hornets Colts suffered a narrow National Plate defeat at Cullompton.

Hornets Colts travelled to Cullompton for a National Plate match on a dank Sunday afternoon and came up against one of the biggest sides they have played all season.

Hornets started well and surging runs were cancelled out by the home side’s defence. And when Cullompton used their big forwards to attack the Hornets, they too were met by ferocious defence.

The quality of rugby by both sides was of a high standard considering the poor playing conditions and, after a series of attacks, it was Cullompton who broke the deadlock with an unconverted try.

Hornets began an onslaught on the home side, but got close to but not quite over the line. The half ended with the only score, but a dour match it certainly wasn’t.

The visitors started the second half on the front foot again and more attacks were snuffed out by the big home team. Hornets fought their way back into the 22 and after a series of penalties, Solomon spotted a hole and managed to go over to tie the game.

The pack kept up the pressure, but a dropped pass was severely punished by Cullompton who kicked it through twice and their winger was just fast enough to win the foot race to dab the ball down.

With only 10 minutes left, Hornets were camped deep inside Cullompton’s 22 for the remainder of the game until eventually they ran out of time without getting the telling score and, much to the relief of the home side, the referee blew for full time. Final score Cullompton 10, Hornets 5.