Shropshire Star

Hornets are back and buzzing!

Telford Hornets are buzzing again after a welcome return to the rugby pitch.

Published

Hornets had a taste of action at the weekend, albeit a modified version of the game, when they welcomed Harborne for a friendly clash.

But it’s not just being able to get back out on the field of play that has helped bring a feelgood factor to the Hinkshay Road club.

Training numbers have been really encouraging for the both the men’s and women’s sides while the club’s youth set up looks healthy.

And now the club are counting down the weeks until the start of what they hope will be a full season of rugby after seeing the last campaign wiped out due to the coronovirus pandemic.

Stuart Eades will be head coach with Hornets planning to run three senior sides, with the first XV competing in Midlands Three North.

“After the last year things are starting to looking up at the club,” said committee member Roger Bates.

“We have been getting good numbers on our two training nights and after not playing for so long I think everyone is just keen to get back to normal and waiting for next season to start.

“Harborne contacted us about the possibility of a game and it was great to see some action.

“It was a modified version played over four quarters, with no scrums and no mauls but it was good workout out for everyone.

“We had 42 players available. We started with our first team and then we changed things around to give everyone a taste of action.

“We have a new chairman, John Barclay, and he is encouraging more and more people to come down to the club and get involved and use the facilities.

“We will run three senior sides next season with the first team in Midlands Three North.

“The ladies’ team is really taking off and they are getting good numbers in training and the youth section is looking healthy as well.

“A few of youngsters who have progressed through the junior section have caught the eye.

“All in all we look in good shape and hopefully we will be able to play a proper season of rugby.”