Lucs 38 – 29 Hornets

HORNETS PERSEVERED, BUT NEVER GOT CLOSE ENOUGH

Luctonians RFC vs Hornets RFC
Saturday 4th October 2025 – Mortimer Park
Match Report by Geoff Vickress

Storm Amy winds dissipated from gale force to a strong breeze, and this allowed for a very open game, which saw Lucs defeat Hornets by outscoring them by 6 tries to 5. With the home side playing in their Charity shirts, which were auctioned post-game, this open encounter saw both sides pick up valuable bonus points, with the home side claiming the win.

Match hero for the home side was their No8 Jack Goodwin who scored four tries, but mention should be made of Hornets No14 Joshua Sheppard who scored a hat-trick, but ended up on the losing side. Lucs scrum was dominant throughout and their excellent flanker, Caleb Montgomery, created havoc among the Hornets defence, both in defence and attack throughout.

Goodwin scored his first as early as the second minute, Tom Jones converting, with home captain Ben Link notching another to his seasonal tally after 18 minutes, but this not before Hornets were reduced to 14 when No8 Ayden Chenoweth was carded for a tackle when not retreating 10metres.

Chenoweth was followed to the touchline soon after, when Joachim Hullah also saw the yellow card from referee Lloyd Davies pocket for foul play close to their line, and Lucs were awarded the resultant penalty try after only 23 minutes, to lead 19-0.

However, Hornets got themselves back into the game when Lucs’ James Wheeler was sent to the bin for a high tackle, saw them scramble back into the match through Shepherd (19-5), closely followed by a second score by Adam Francis; Charlie Carter converting (19-12), to drag the away side back into game before half time oranges.

Half Time Score
Luctonians RFC 19 – 12 Hornets RFC

The yellow card saw daylight again from the referee’s pocket soon after half time, when Tom Froggatt for Hornets, deliberately knocked on and, from the resultant kick to touch, the second half became the Jack Goodwin show as he scored three tries on 44, 67 and 77 minutes, all from opportunist breaks, to dive over to give the home side a deserved home win.

But credit should be given to Hornets, who persevered and were dangerous themselves to the end with efforts from the very sharp Sheppard adding two scores of his own (59, 79) and Kieran Ward (70) also scrambling over to keep the score line always within reach, but never quite close enough.

Full Time Score
Luctonians RFC 38 – 29 Hornets RFC

Lucs coaches were well pleased with the result in difficult conditions, despite the wind dropping as the game progressed, and will relish the trip to Taunton next weekend, with Hornets back at home on their 4g pitch vs Chester.

Star Man
Jack Goodwin
Luctonians RFC

On our Facebook page, you can check out the Live scoreline with a grandstand view of the try highlights, coming soon. You will also be able to enjoy a selection of action pics from Andrew Hargraves.

Picture Credit – Andrew Hargraves. Luctonians