Hornets were edged out 23-22 by Barnstaple, who kicked a last-minute penalty as National League rugby arrived at the Nest on Saturday.

It proved a highly entertaining but somewhat frustrating afternoon for the large crowd, with the game preceded as per RFU protocol with a minute’s silence after the passing of The Queen.  

After an encouraging performance at Leicester Lions, Hornets fell behind to a well taken penalty.

But they were awarded a scrum on halfway and a dominant front row put the visitors under pressure all afternoon.

Matt Parker broke at eight and Josh who made inroads, with quick ball down the line for Charlie Carter to cut through and score in the corner.

Barnstaple then attacked and had Hornets under enormous pressure but their defence was strong and Jamie Elswood was able to clear with a penalty. 

After a lineout on halfway, an infringement gave Hornets a kick at goal but it sailed just wide. 

From the 22 drop out, Hornets set up good ball but were gave up possession too easily and as Barnstaple attacked, skipper Parker was adjudged to have deliberately knocked on when trying to intercept and was sent to the sin-bin.

Barnstaple saw their chance and set up a series of attacks, but Hornets were sound in defence and able to attack themselves only for a couple of missed tackles on the full back to allow the visitors to break clear for a well-taken try and conversion.

A penalty from halfway put Barnstaple 13-8 up at the break but a break by Adam Francis sent Hornets deep into the opposition half after the restart and Elswood slotted a penalty.

The young fly-half added another to put Hornets 14-13 up and after a series of scrums and penalties close to the line, the hosts saw Carter go over in the corner to make it 19-13.

Hornets could not deal with the restart efficiently, though, and a penalty to Barnstaple and kick to the corner set up a catch and drive lineout move for a try and conversion which saw the lead change hands again.

After another series of scrums and infringements on the visiting line Parker decided to kick at goal to put Hornets 22-20 up with a couple of minutes left.

But Hornets were judged offside from the restart and Barnstaple's excellent kicker made them pay to snatch a last-gasp victory.

A second successive defeat gives Hornets plenty to ponder ahead of the long trip to Redruth on Saturday.