They dominated much of the game but that they lost was due to a lack of control at key times and the Hornettes ability to score whenever they had a half-chance. Nevertheless a fine, committed performance and one particularly satisfying to the coaches. Even after Hornettes’ late try they could have won had a difficult late penalty gone over.

With half the backline missing due to injuries and work commitments the Thornbees took the field determined to show Hornettes that they can play rugby having failed to turn up in the match in Weston-super-Mare last autumn.

Thornbees began well but a missed tackle let Hornettes in for a converted try. Then despite some excellent tackling particularly from Dani James and Gemma Tyrrell Hornets scored again to open up a 14-0 lead.

A try was badly needed and it duly came after Gemma Tyrrell had made a break and good continuity saw Laura Panting drive for the posts before Hayley Hindmarsh crashed over with two Hornettes hanging on to her. Charlotte Williams converted. However they made a hash of dealing with the restart and Hornettes broke through three weak tackles to score a third converted try and open up a 21-7 lead.

The Thornbees hit back. Sam Baker-Green drove through the Hornettes defence and after Laura Panting and Sadie Giles tied up further defenders good vision saw Ellie Steer put Dani James in for a fine try. Charlotte Williams converted to reduce the deficit to 21-14 at half time.

Hornettes scored again within the first minute of the second half as the Thornbees were unable to tidy the ball and clear from the restart and Hornettes pounced on the loose ball. Three minutes later Thornbees scored again when Jo Johnson showed great determination to shrug off the attention of four Hornettes to score between the posts. Charlotte Williams converted for 21-28.

Thornbees struggled again at the next restart then a twenty metre run from Sam Baker-Green cleared the lines. But the Thornbees had to defend to keep their line intact. Shortly afterwards Dani James was tackled very high and the Hornettes scrum half was shown a yellow card. The player could reflect she was lucky the colour wasn’t red. Seconds later Sam Baker-Green burst away from another maul and skipper Sadie Giles cut through in midfield to run forty metres for the try. Charlotte Williams’ conversion tied the score at 28-28.

Three minutes later Sadie Giles burst away on a similar run and scored in the corner to take the lead for the first time. The conversion was just short but Thornbees led 33-28.

With a minute left on the clock Hornettes attacked again and their centre scored a fine try on a run from halfway. She converted her try to regain the lead. Then in last play Thornbees were awarded a penalty out wide. It was a very difficult kick. Charlotte Williams bravely went for the goal and the kick went agonisingly close but it missed and Hornettes had won.

Each member of the Thornbees had fine games. Sam Baker-Green carried well and Sadie Giles, playing as an emergency outside half, took her tries well. Hayley Hindmarsh had her best games in a Thornbees shirt carrying well and proving to be a menace to the Hornettes lineout. Charlotte Williams kicked well and Dani James continues to impress, but this was a fine team performance and one that each player should be proud of.

However, the match was still lost but there was plenty of evidence that the work of the players individually and collectively in conjunction with the dedicated coaching team is paying off.

The Thornbees travel to Lambridge to play Bath Ladies II next Sunday.

Thornbees scorers: tries – Sadie Giles (2), Hayley Hindmarsh, Dani James, Jo Johnson; conversions: Charlotte Williams (4)