We are all bitterly disappointed with our display and we were lucky to take a point from the game. We struggled to gain the ascendency at the set piece and didn't gain any momentum in initial phases as a result. Our breakdown skills were poor and we made far too many errors coughing up possession at vital moments.

Fair play to Hornets who were clearly up for the game and caused us issues. Steve Pape carried well, led the team well, and caused issues for us at maul time, where he found himself in a position to stop our maul using a wide array of borderline, but effective tactics. We were naive tactically and mentally and without doubt underestimated our opponents and paid the price for our complacency.

It would have been a crime had we have won the game at the end, and some of our decision making from penalties made it very difficult for us to get into decent field position to close out the game. Choosing to tap and go twice from 50 and 35 metres out, when a line out 10 metres from their line would have been far more effective. A big wake up call indeed,and well done to Hornets who showed a work ethic in abundance , and one that we should aspire to achieve for the rest of the season.

Man of the match went to Richard Bright, who was a constant threat and a try scorer.

The 2nd xv gained two bonus points in a 36-35 defeat away at Clifton. Fly Half Richard Cadywould hitting the post with a touch line conversion with the last play of the game that would have won it. The bonus points see the 2nd xv move up to 5th in the South West Pilot League. The bonus point for the 1st xv keeps the Cockles stay in 6th , with three big games looming.

Regards

Jon
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