Hornets’ late flurry proves not to be enough in Wales

Three tries in the final ten minutes proved not to be enough as Rochdale Hornets slipped to a narrow 28-24 defeat, away at North Wales Crusaders.

Despite scoring more tries than the hosts, Gary Thornton’s side were unable to come away from the Eirias Stadium with the two points - but can take confidence from their performance as they build towards the play-offs.

Crusaders led from early in the contest thanks to a try from Alex Eckley, the second row latching on to a perfectly weighted grubber kick to get the game’s first score.

But, Hornets responded well to going behind as their pack began to make dents in the North Wales defence and - before long - Ben Killan had crashed over for a well-earned try.

Anthony Murray’s side then got themselves back in front, some ten minutes later, again through Eckley.

After Hornets were penalised for a high tackle, and then an illegal ball steal, the hosts capitalised right away by scoring on the right edge.

However, Hornets came straight back at Crusaders with Connor Aspey reclaiming Kieran Rush’s restart.

From there, Thornton’s side worked the phases well before Joe Taira bulldozed his way over the try line.

The two sides looked set to go in level at the break, with the scores at 12-12, but a late Tommy Johnson penalty gave North Wales a narrow lead to take into the second 40.

Johnson would then double his side’s lead minutes after play restarted, when Rochdale were penalised for a high tackle in front of the uprights.

As Hornets went in search of a third try, Cobi Green’s pass was telegraphed by Gav Rodden.

The second row broke well before finding Matt Reid who sped away from the Hornets defence to score; Johnson added the extras to open up a ten-point lead.

Crusaders would’ve had their fourth try on the hour mark but for referee Michael Mannifield ruling Patrick Ah Van’s final pass as forward.

But, there was to be no such let-off for Rochdale five minutes later when Rob Massam broke down the left edge and raced in to score.

Johnson’s conversion appeared to have put the game out of reach for Hornets, with only 14 minutes remaining.

However, a yellow card for prop Callum Hazzard sparked belief into Thornton’s side.

They capitalised almost immediately through Green, the Welshman dancing his way over the whitewash to reduce the deficit.

Jy Hitchcox’s try four minutes later would then ensure a nervy closing few minutes for the vocal North Wales fanbase, as the former Castleford Tigers man held off the Crusaders defence to register his second try in as many games.

Thornton’s side continued with their onslaught of the Welsh line and were rewarded with yet another score for in-form winger Cian Tyrer, making it six tries in his last four outings.

But, it proved to be too little too late as the hooter sounded just moments after the restart was taken.

Hornets will look to get back to winning ways, next Sunday, when they host West Wales Raiders in their penultimate game of the season (3pm kick-off).

Crusaders: Johnson, Turner, Ah Van, Reid, Massam, Briers, Hardcastle, Barratt, Billsborough, Hazzard, Rodden, Eckley, Fletcher.

Interchanges: Gregory, Brennan, Houghton, Hall.

Tries: Eckley (8’, 31’), Reid (51’), Massam (65’)

Goals: Johnson, 6/6

Hornets: McNally, Tyrer, Nixon, Hitchcox, Worrincy, Rush, Green; Moimoi, Roden, Rogers, Calland, Forster, Moran.

Interchanges: Taira, Aspey, Killan, Parnaby.

Tries: Killan (22’), Taira (34’), Green (72’), Hitchcox (76’), Tyrer (80’)

Goals: Rush 2/3, Green 0/1, Roden 0/1

Half-time: 14-12

Referee: Michael Mannifield

Image by JMSportPix