Swarm lose out to late, late try

Hornet's supporters tag rugby side 'Swarm' came within a few seconds of lifting their first piece of silverware on Saturday in the Wakefield Tag Rugby League festival.

Swarm conceded a late, late try to lose out in a compelling final to the Queensbury MAD Taggers.

The day had started well for the Rochdale side as they easily disposed of host team The Criggelstone All Blacks by nine tries to 2.

Matt Gormley and Matt Fallows led the way alongside Keeley Ramsbottom and the Swarm had too much skill and pace for the Wakefield side.

Next up for the Swarm were Leigh and again the Hornets fans performed magnificently, putting in probably their best defensive effort of the Season.

Led by stand in Captain Dave Tyson, they overran the Leigh outfit. The Swarms female players, Gaynor and Keeley Ramsbottom along with Emily and Maria Wynn, excelled in the disciplined display.

The two victories meant the Swarm had won their group and progressed to the final against the Queensbury MAD Taggers.

The Swarm started the final well, taking an early lead, which they were to hold up until the last second.

Although the Swarm were always in front they just couldn't shake off a determined Queensbury outfit.

As the clock ran down the Rochdale side repelled wave after wave of Queensbury attacks and when in possession produced some fantastic rugby with veterans Ste Gormley, Mark Wynn and Dave Ramsbottom leading the way.

But with a few seconds remaining Queensbury made a break from well within their own half, and after charging up field they were able to find a supporting female player, who scored to earn a female try bonus point and snatch the game at the death.

The referee awarded the score and blew immediately for full time.

A desperately disappointed Swarm team had come so near to their first Festival triumph, but it has only made them more determined to go one step further and bring home a trophy.

The Swarm though have the consolation of a trip to Bruff near Limerick in Ireland this weekend for a Tag Rugby Festival in the Republic.

Twelve months on since they last visited Bruff they will be able to measure their improvement from last year.