Gadd praises ‘amazing’ Hornets after huge win

By JON RICHARDSON

Hornets………….. 45pts

Clifton……………..27pts

Full stretch: Pierre Tucker dives over for the Hornets and Macenzzie Duncan evades the challenge of Clifton’s Marcus Nel

PICTURES: Josh Thomas

JACKSON Gadd hailed an “amazing” victory for Hornets as they outplayed Clifton in a feast of running rugby.

The Hor nets head coach was delighted with his side as they scored six tries to eclipse a visiting side that bagged five tries and for whom centre Will Owen claimed a hat-trick.

Gadd said: “We’ve worked so hard for that. It’s been coming and I’m so proud of the lads and that performance.

“I can’t put into words how much that victory means for the club, the supporters and that group of players. It’s a special moment for us. Amazing.”

Clifton were first out of the blocks at the Nest when replacement centre Owen crashed over after some ill-discipline from Hornets and Nathan Chamberlain converted for 7-0 lead.

However, Hornets responded well and a driving line-out led to tighthead Jake Caulfield benefiting with a try that was converted by Charlie Carter.

Carter was in superb form with the boot and he added a penalty ten minutes later to give Hornets the lead at 10-7 after 25 minutes. It was a lead that they would not relinquish.

Connor Vickery was next to score for Hornets when the classy outside centre found a gap to dive over under the posts. Carter converted for a 17-7 scoreline.

On the stroke of half-time, Kieran Ward waltzed through a tired Clifton defence and Carter duly added the extras for a 24-7 half-time lead.

The pace of the game did not drop in the second period and another powerful line-out drive from Hornets saw Ward claim his second try and, with Carter on fire from the tee, the lead was stretched to 31-7.

Clifton hit back, however, with a well-taken line-out drive that No.8 Dan Broady touched down.

But again back roared Hornets and Carter scampered away for the home side’s fifth try and he also converted to make it 38-12.

Hornets were then rocked by a red card when Caulfield caught Clifton openside Kofi Cripps with a high shot.

This shifted momentum and Clifton soon added two unconverted tries through Alex Kilbane and Owen.

Hornets soon regained their rhythm and, after 73 minutes, Pierre Tucker sealed victory with a fine try that Carter converted for a 100% day from the tee and a 20-point haul.

Owen added a final try for Clifton to complete his hat-trick, but it was too little, too late.

For Hornets, Adam Francis and Carter were outstanding, but it was Macenzzie Duncan that was awarded the man-ofthe-match accolade for an all-action display.