It was heartbreak for Hornets RFC after a last minute penalty kick won the game for Redruth.

The match at The Nest on September 7 marked the start of their third season in the National League.

Despite having several chances to secure the win, Hornets failed to capitalise at crucial moments.

The game started at a fast pace, with Hornets initially having good possession but failing to breach the Cornish away side's defence.

The tables turned, and Hornets had to defend, which they did solidly.

The breakthrough came when a miss pass found Connor Vickery in space, allowing him to score the first try, converted by Jamie Elswood, putting Hornets in the lead at 7-0.

Redruth's formidable set of forwards proved to be a challenge throughout the day.

When Hornets seemed poised to score with a 5m lineout, Redruth stole the ball and, after some good interplay, scored a well-worked try against the run of play, bringing the score to 7-5.

Hornets looked promising with the ball and were rewarded with a penalty in front of goal, which Elswood converted, stretching the lead to 10-5.

Redruth, with their strong rugby, attacked again, and some indiscipline from Hornets allowed the visitors to score a seemingly simple try and conversion, taking the lead at 10-12.

In the next phase of the game, young Owen Griffith, on his debut, finished off a simple hands move by the backs to score in the corner.

The conversion by Elswood had Hornets opening up the lead again with three minutes to the break, bringing the score to 17-12.

However, Redruth, when in control of the ball, showed great skill and were awarded a try right on halftime, with the conversion putting them in front at the break, 17-19.

(Image: Samir Abraham)

The second half started well for Hornets.

Josh Sheppard, from his own half, collected the ball and set off on a run, beating the defence to score under the post for an easy conversion for Elswood, bringing the score to 24-19.

The game swung back as Redruth got another try and conversion, taking the lead with 20 minutes to go, 24-26.

Both benches emptied to bring fresh legs onto the pitch, and the arm wrestle continued.

After 76 minutes, Elswood kicked a penalty to put Hornets back in front at 27-26.

Hornets knew they just had to keep the visitors out to secure the victory.

However, they conceded a late penalty kick.

The first shot at goal sailed wide, but the referee decided on an offside, giving Redruth one more kick at goal, which was successful.

With the last kick of the game, Redruth snatched the win away from Hornets, with a final score of 27-29.

Despite the bitter disappointment, the young Hornets side showed promise.

The introduction of new faces, both young and experienced, is expected to bolster the squad's strength as the campaign continues.

Hornets created several chances, which could have won them the game, but they were unable to capitalise.

Next, Hornets face a visit to Taunton, who were relegated from Nat 1.