After some amazing work behind the scenes by LOTS of Bees people, not least Tom Fleming, we managed to get a second team- THE HORNETS – out on the pitch on Saturday.

Like all good second teams, they had never played together, all were introduced by first manes only and that was all the trust that was needed. Like any good second team coach I presented the team sheet and asked if that worked and after 9 position changes suggested by the players we were ready to go! We also lost our Captain Jack in the warm up so Alex stepped in to lead the team.
Regan, Conal, Shaun, Callum, Will, Greg Ethan and Alex fronted up in the forwards. They were really pleased to be informed we had no substitutes up front! Gabe, George, Liam, Warwick, Harry, Ant and Drew settled into the back line with Michaela and James benching.

The game started 5 mins late as we were initially short of a match ball and both teams decided a bar of soap would not enhance the game. The first 10 mins was all Hornets but the medics refused to budge. After consecutive penalties the medics started to exert some pressure and Hornets had to show some metal in defence. The game then ebbed and flowed until a turnover and some lovey hands allowed Ant to race clear and score. Soon after another period of sustained pressure allowed a forward’s try and a conversion.
Hornets were moving along nicely 12-0 at half time.

The second half saw the medics stating strongly and scoring a multiphase try to get back to 12-5 on 46 mins. Hornets then continually gave away penalties at the breakdown and in the tackle to allow the medics to take control. Only some heroics defending and cover tackling kept the score the same until eventually medics scored again at 62 mins to reduce the deficit to 12-10.
Under the posts the Hornets had a huddle and reminded themselves that a defeat on the first outing for a few years was not the plan. A rallying cry made the difference and Hornets dominated the final 15mins eventually scoring a really well worked touched down in the end by Ant after some excellent work by Harry. 17-10 to Hornets.

Hornets never looked like losing this lead and closed out the game comfortably. There were some really big performances across the whole team. The front row won all their (uncontested) scrums. The back five made some massive hits and carried strongly. The backs defended amazingly and ran the ball whenever possible looking entertain.

Shaun got MoM and Gabe was Dick of the Day – both fully deserved!!