Gritty Hornets kick off in style
HORNETS opened their 2020 League One campaign against Keighley at Spotland on Sunday,
Coach Matt Calland, looking to set the scene for a successful season, fielded a team of young guns, bolstered by two or three seasoned warriors.
The experienced Sean Penkywicz made a welcome return to the starting line up, while former Leigh star and prolific points scored Martyn Ridyard made his début. Dale Bloomfield, enjoying a third spell at the club, was declared fit having left the field in the early stages of the Challenge Cup victory against the British Army.
The wet and windy conditions weren’t conducive to a fast, flowing game, but the home team put on a performance of grit and determination. They dominated the early exchanges to establish a 14-0 lead before indiscipline allowed the visitors to mount a comeback, reducing the deficit to just four points at the break and everything to play for.
And, while the second half was more evenly contested, Hornets defensive doggedness refused to allow Keighley any leeway. Hornets added 15 more points, the visitors having to settle for a consolation try with three minutes to go.
There was still time for the hosts to cross on the hooter to confirm their overall superiority.
Hornets were quickly into their stride with strong running from the forwards and slick handling putting them on the front foot.
And in the seventh minute Andy Lea pounced onto a loose ball to open the scoring. Sam Freeman converted.
The hosts continued to press and a darting run by Penkywicz saw him held up over the line. From the ensuing drop out Lewis Sheridan collected and his searching cross kick was spilled by Richie Hawkyard, Jamie Tracey seizing on the error to score out wide. Freeman tagged on the two.
Keighley finally made inroads into the Hornets 22 and Jack Miller crossed to reduce the arrears.
Hornets then conceded successive penalties. The Yorkshireman marched down-field and Jake Webster didn’t need a second invitation as he barged his way over from close range. Miller made it a sixpointer.
The second half was nip and tuck and it needed the unerring boot of Freeman to increase Hornets lead from a penalty,
On the hour mark, man of the match Penkywicz slipped a neat inside ball to Liam Whalley who crashed over the line. Freeman tagged on the two.
Hornets continued to press and Ridyard showed the benefit of experience to slot over a one-pointer.
Keighley then enjoyed their best spell of the match and it needed a thumping try-saving tackle by Dale Bloomfield on Hallett to keep them out.
The visitors finally broke through, Hawkyard taking a cut-out ball to score in the corner.
The home team, though, were determined to finish on a high as Sam Hopkins powered his way over. Freeman tagged on the two to cap and excellent Hornets performance.
Sam Freeman, Brad Holroyd, Ben Calland, Jack Higginson, Dale Bloomfield, Lewis Sheridan, Martyn Ridyard, Callum Marriott, Sean Penkywicz, Sam Hopkins, Jordan Syme, Jamie Tracey, Andy Lea. Interchanges: Dec Sheridan, Luke Fowden, Adam Hesketh, Liam Whalley.
Lea, Tracey, Whalley, Hopkins. Goals: Freeman 4. Penalties: Freeman: 2. Drop Goal: Ridyard.
Alfred Seeley, Mobolaji Agoro, Macauley Hallett, Jake Webster, Richie Hawkyard, Billy Gaylor, Jack Miller, Daniel Parker, Kyle Kesick, Jack Coventry, Jason Muranka, Lewis Wray, Aaron Levy. Interchanges: Louis Sheriffe, Dan Hawksworth, James Feather, Matthew Bailey.
Miller, Hawkyard, Webster. Goals:
Miller. 14-10