Hornets 10 - Droitwich 53
It was no great surprise that the Telford Hornet’s cup run came to an end against a team that will, in all probability, be playing their rugby in Midlands Division 1 next season.
Although, for the second week running, Telford opened the scoring care ofaStephan Hildred penalty, it wasn’t long before Droitwich exerted their superiority running in 5 tries to put them ahead 27- 3 at half time.
The second half started with a determined Pete Jones storming his way to the try line for the Hornets and again Hildred stepped up to the mark to put over the conversion.
That was to be the home team’s final score, as Droitwich added 4 more tries to run out 53-10 winners.
“Despite the margin of victory, we put up a brave display against a very good set of backs who ran the ball at every opportunity,” said club President Dave Mann. “This week we are away to Moseley Oak a game we must win to have any chance of avoiding relegation. However, having beaten them comfortably at home earlier in the season we should be confident of a favourable result,” he added. The 2nd XV returned to winning ways with a 17-10 victory over local rivals Bridgnorth. The game saw Telford exert a lot of pressure on the Bridgnorth defence in the first 20 minutes but the visitors held firm.
However, with the Hornets scrum on top form, characterised by some excellent work from Sean Peters, and Daniel Beckett cleaning up in the line out, it wasn’t long before scrum half Tony Heal was able to release Jonathan Phelps to score in the corner.
And just before half time some dynamic back row play by James Ledbury and Daniel Beckett again released Jonathan Phelps this time to allow Captain Andy Sherry to go over for the try. Phelps added the extra 2 points for a comfortable 12-0 half time lead.
The second half was a different story with some direct running from the visitors trying to making inroads into home territory.
However, with Telford pinned in their own half, youngster Luke Edwards ran nearly three quarters of the pitch to score under the posts.
Bridgnorth did finally break the Hornets defence with two consolation tries, but Telford held on for a welcome win.
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With most of the junior fixtures against Whichurch being called off on Sunday, the Under 16’s flew the club flag with in a fine 21-10 win over Tamworth.
Playing against the wind in the first half the Hornets attacked well and eventually and took a deserved lead when Matt Bird finished off a flowing move to score under the posts, and Nick Thomas slotted the conversion.
However, Tamworth came back well and pressure in the Telford 22 resulted in a penalty to close the score to 7 - 3.
A further try before half time by Jamie Vidor, again converted by Thomas eased the Hornets to a 14-3 half time advantage .
Tamworth started the second half strongly and were rewarded when they went over by the posts. However the Telford player dug deep and again stretched away with a second try for Vidor, and conversion by Thomas.
Coach Neil Thomas was delighted by a good team performance from all members of the squad, who can now look forward to playing Oswestry next Sunday before heading off to Somerset a week later on tour.