Hornets RFC secured a historic first National League victory over Redruth on Valentine's Day.
The ferociously contested match, held at the Nest, saw the hosts claim a 38-31 win and five points.
Redruth initially dominated, leading 10-0 within minutes, but Hornets' Adam Francis made a superb cut-out pass leading to Josh Sheppard's triumphant try, before Jack Gapper's conversion narrowed the deficit to 7-10.
Redruth reinstated their ten-point advantage after 22 minutes, but Hornets retaliated.
Arthur Davis managed a lineout, grounding the ball for Hornets' second try, soon joined by Sheppard’s second try, leaving the half-time score at 21-17 in favour of the hosts.
After the break, Redruth benefitted from a penalty try and a yellow card to Sonny Haines, once again taking the lead.
Both benches joined the fray as 'Finishers', with tenacity in abundance.
The Hornets earned a penalty kick, with Gapper converting to level the scores.
Following a relentless assault, the Hornets inched ahead, Davis concluding the set piece to make it 31-24.
However, Redruth remained resilient, equalising with only 10 minutes left.
In response, Hornets launched a turnover-led attack from the halfway line.
This culminated with Sheppard completing his hat-trick, placing his side in an unassailable 38-31 lead with 10 minutes on the clock.
The visitors mounted a substantial last-minute effort, but Hornets, with defensive prowess, thwarted their ambitions, pinching the ball on their own line and ending the game.
Sheppard, in his 50th match for the club, was named player of the match as a result of his hat trick.
Gapper's 100 per cent kicking display from six attempts was also praised.
The bonus point win has pushed the Hornets to fifth in the table standings.
The focus now shifts to a tough away fixture at Loughborough University Campus on Saturday, February 21, where the Hornets aim to maintain their momentum.
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