Valiant Hornets toppled by Dragons

Rochdale Hornets 18 Dundee Dragons 44

Rochdale Hornets Wheelchair Rugby League team, operated by the Hornets Sporting Foundation, continued its 2022 campaign with the second of three consecutive home fixtures - against Dundee Dragons.

With both clubs again at opposite ends of development, Hornets put up another heroic performance against one of the league’s more established clubs in a 18-44 defeat. 

Although the score line may not reflect it, the players matched their opponents for the majority of the clash with only an unconverted try the difference at half time - with the score 12-16.

Head Coach Carl Abraham praised his players after the game: “Even with limited players we competed against an experienced squad, containing international players, for large parts of the game.  

"If numerous 50/50 decisions went our way, the score line would have been a lot closer.  

"Every player that represented the club should be extremely proud of their efforts and I can confidently say the talented Scottish outfit will be heading back over the border knowing they’ve been in a game.

“We are not exclusively in a results business and players need to remember we’re at the start of our journey, competing against teams who’ve been playing together for a number of years. 

"I’m seeing mass improvements week-on-week which makes me believe that if the current players continue to show the same commitment, and the club are able to attract a couple of experienced additions, we will become a team to be reckoned with in this league.”

Hornets Wheelchair team train every Tuesday night from 7-8pm at Rochdale Leisure Centre and are next in action on Saturday April 30 against Bradford Bulls (kick-off 2:15pm).

Hornets: Gavin Dobson, Joshua Hart, Kyran Holt, Sophie Bamford, Conrad Glowacki.

Interchanges: Michael Hart, Debbie Johnson-Brown.

Tries: Kyran Holt (14', 25', 63'). 

Goals: Kyran Holt (14', 25', 63').

Man of the Match: Conrad Glowacki