Hornets stung by canny scholars

By FREYA COLLINGTON

Exeter Uni…………….29

Hornets………………… 19

Lowly Hornets suffered a tough defeat at the hands of Exeter University.

The home side started with a bang as the mighty Tirion Bowen broke the line and dived over to get the first try of an intense clash.

Handling errors from both sides slowed the game, but Exeter soon took the opportunity to put points on the board as Sam Walker placed the ball over the posts following an offside. Ed Volley then went over the line for their first try.

The game briefly turned Hornets’ way as prop Tom Gulley was presented with a yellow card, and not long after hooker Chris Francis was handed the same punishment.

At the start of the second half, a quick outside pass to Tommy Roberts saw Exeter secure another beaming try.

The Hornets recovered and put points on the scoreboard as Matt Parker obtained the try.

The visitors followed this up with two more consecutive tries, from replacement Tom Sims and winger Henry Gliddon.

With the crucial few minutes left on the clock, and the tight score looming, Exeter’s Will De Boehmler powered through the Hornets defence and leapt over the line for the important bonus point try.