HORNETS gave coach Bobbie Goulding the positive response he had demanded when they faced Oldham Roughyeds for the second time in five days, at Spotland on Wednesday night.

Goulding’s men had turned in an abject performance to lose 38-8 at Boundary Park last Friday night and needed a win to get their Northern Rail Cup challenge back on track.

In true Hornets’ style they put their supporters through the wringer before clinching the points.

Having gone behind to Paul O’Connor’s try on two minutes, it looked as if a repeat performance was on the cards. But, inspired by skipper Jimmy Elston and stand-off Martin Ainscough, the home team turned on the style to lead 20-4 at the break. A penalty eight minutes into the second half put them further ahead, and then the wheels came off.

Daft mistakes, indiscipline, and a sometimes frustrating referee put Hornets on the back foot, and the Roughyeds came roaring back to level the scores.

The visitors looked the more likely winners until Chris Spurr provided the most memorable moment of a memorable match in the 71st minute. Hornets were looking to relieve the pressure deep in their own half when Ainscough and Elston bamboozled the Oldham rearguard with a slick runaround. A timely pass from Elston found Spurr who showed blistering speed to outpace the covering defence and score a magnificent try.

The score took the wind out of the visitors’ sails and five minutes later a touch of magic by Sam Butterworth created space for Chris Campbell to touch down and finish the job.

It capped a tremendous performance by Hornets in which Ainscough, Elston and Spurr were the pivotal players. However, the man of the match was undoubtedly 18-year-old fullback Carl Steyn. The fullback, signed from Waterhead in the closed season, showed remarkable composure under the high ball, tackled superbly, and cleared his lines like a veteran. A great debut.

Hornets were caught cold after two minutes when, on the back of a powerful run from Phil Joseph, the ball was swung left and O’Connor applied the finish.

The hosts hit back as the industrious Paul Alcock made a half break and offloaded to Spurr. The powerful centre dummied, swerved inside and finished superbly. Sneyd knocked over the conversion.

Three minutes later, Elston broke from acting half and found Ainscough on his shoulder. His well-timed pass sent the stand off clear to score. Sneyd added the extras.

The home supporters didn’t have to wait long for the next try as a well-rehearsed move, involving Ainscough and Spurr sent Alcock in for a try.

Hornets were well on top and only careless errors prevented them from increasing their lead. Their defence, though, compensated for these and Oldham had little to offer.

Four minutes before the break Ainscough, who could prove to be the best stand-off in National League Division Two, evaded his markers and handed on to Spurr. He drew Marcus St Hilaire before freeing Chris Campbell on the outside to score out wide.

Despite conceding four penalties in the first five minutes of the second half, Hornets drew first blood as Sneyd slotted over a penalty.

But, instead of consolidating their strong position the home team surrendered possession early in the tackle count. Oldham took advantage when James Coyle nipped in from close range. Mick Nanyn converted.

This was just the lift the visitors needed and at last their performance reflected the talent in the team.

Joseph somehow staggered over the line for a try between the sticks and Nanyn tagged on the two.

Four minutes later Hornets were slow to react to Coyle’s grubber into the in-goal area and he dived on the loose ball to score. Nanyn converted to level the scores at 22-22.

At this stage all bets were off for Hornets’ fans as Coyle and Nanyn were hauled down just short.

The home team finally broke out courtesy of a fortunate penalty and Chris Hough’s attempted drop goal sailed just wide.

Spurr then provided the champagne moment, and with three minutes to go Campbell’s try sealed the win.

Hornets aren’t the finished product by all means and Goulding will be keen for his players to reduce the mistakes and cut out the silly penalties. Sometimes it’s frustrating, as officials often lack consistency in applying the laws. But there can be no excuse for conceding easy yards by talking back to the referee.

That said, there were more positives than negatives about Hornets’ performance on Wednesday night. The squad has youth on its side, and if they can focus for the full 80 minutes Hornets’ fans can look forward to exciting times ahead.

Match Stats

Hornets: Carl Sneyd, Alex Brown, Mark Brocklehurst, Chris Spurr, Chris Campbell, Martin Ainscough, Chris Hough, David Best, Jimmy Elston, Mike Callan, Paul Alcock, Ian Sinfield, Wayne Corcoran. Subs (all used): Sam Butterworth, Mike Stout, Todd O’Brien, Craig Robinson. Tries: Spurr (9, 71), Ainscough (12), Alcock (15), Campbell (36, 77). Goals: Sneyd 4.

Oldham Roughyeds: Marcus St Hilaire, Paul O’Connor, Craig Littler, Mick Nanyn, Alex Wilkinson, Neil Roden, James Coyle, Jason Boults, Phil Joseph, Richard Mervill, Tommy Goulden, Robert Roberts, Tommy Grundy. Subs (all used): Chris Baines, Warren Stevens, Adam Robinson, Danny Halliwell. Tries: O’Connor (2), Coyle (50, 61), Joseph (57). Goals: Nanyn 3.

Referee: P Carr (Castleford)

Penalties: 8-14

Half time: 20-4

Attendance: 682