Hornets…………………29
Cinderford……………29
THE Hornets faced promotion hopefuls Cinderford in a closely contested match, marking the first time the two teams met at the Hornets’ home ground.
The match started positively for the hosts, with Charlie Carter scoring the opening try, which was converted by Jamie Ellswood.
However, Cinderford responded with a try from blindside flanker Aaron Ryan, converted by Luke McMahon. Hornets regained the lead with an unconverted Connor Vickery try.
A quick tap and go from Chris Francis extended the Hornets’ advantage, leading to a half-time score of 19-7.
After the break, the Hornets came out strong, with Josh Sheppard adding another try. Cinderford, however, launched a spirited comeback, with tries from George Evans and George Perry – both converted by McMahon narrowing the gap to just five points.
Cinderford took the lead with a Nathan Taylor try following a lineout converted by McMahon and they edged further ahead with a penalty. But the Hornets weren’t done yet, with five minutes left, Corey Baker crashed over to level the score. In a tense final moment, Charlie Carter had a chance to win it but his conversion drifted wide.
TEAMS
HORNETS: Carter, Sheppard, Vickery, D Bailey, Morgan, Elswood, Tuttiett, Farmer, Corey Baker, Chenoweth, Surrey, Harris, Scott, Francis, Connor Baker
.Replacements: Parkinson, Read, T Bailey, McMullan, Griffith
CINDERFORD: Greenman, Folks-Underhill, Baldwin, Johnson, Smith, McMahon, Allford, Evans, Broady, Ryan, Carpenter, Jerrum, Perry, Knowles, Edwards
Replacements: Brockett, Taylor, Elliott, Holliday, Murray
REFEREE: Nathan Howarth
ATTENDANCE: 373
Star player Connor Baker -Connor Baker
