Clubs who turn in shock cup wins over higher ranked opposition get hailed as 'giant-killers'. But Hornet's gritty win over a disappointingly sheepish Dewsbury was more an act of Dwarf Tossing, as Bobbie Goulding's side dumped the Rams onto the NRC scrapheap alongside Halifax, Whitehaven and Leigh.

In conditions that would have had Scott of the Antarctic considering another pair of socks, Hornets (snow) ploughed their way over the visitors' line after just three minutes as determined approach play saw Carl Sneyd grab a four pointer. Sneyd added the extras - the first of a perfect seven from seven with the boot.

The game then became locked in an armwrestle. Hornets working the ball well at every opportunity; Dewsbury's occasionally agricultural defence standing firm. Then a change of emphasis; Dewsbury building pressure with repeat sets, but Hornets defending with determination.

With referee Hicks working his way through the laws, the visitors' pressure finally told and Finn capitalised on a bursting run through a tiring defence. But Hornets hit back with a quick-fire Ainscough double. Both times appearing at pace on Jimmy Elston's shoulder.

With the half ebbing away, Dewsbury launched a last ditch attack and, with nothing on in-field, Finn hoisted a speculative kick to the corner, where exposed Hornets wing Alex Brown found himself surrounded by Rams players. Numbers told and Buchannan touched down to take Hornets in 18-12 up at the break.

Within five minutes of the restart, Dewsbury had levelled the scores. Firstly Colleran running back a ball dropped on the second tackle; then Finn taking advantage of a napping defence.

Slowly Hornets regained their shape. And, when Carl Sneyd launched Eric Andrews from 60 metres, the Hornets wing backed himself against the Rams' cover; accelerating past centre and winger, then showing great strength to step out of full-back Colleran's despairing lunge for a spectacular try.

On the next visit to Dewsbury's posts a teasing Ainscough grubber drew an obstruction from the Dewsbury defence. Sneyd added the gift two points - how vital that kick would prove.

Hornets were now finding good attacking rhythm. This time another swirling Ainscough kick was gathered on the run by Sneyd and, as the defenders gathered, he smuggled the hall out to the supporting Wayne Corcoran. And, when a classic acting-half sneak by Jimmy Elston extended Hornets lead to 14 points, Dewsbury realised that extracting the digit was paramount if they were to avoid embarrassment.

For the first time in the game, the visitors found some cohesive football and set up two rapid scores out wide for Buchannan. And with two minutes remaining, it was another sphincter-squeezing finish for the Hornets faithful.

But instead of sticking to direct football, Dewsbury's Finn had two brain-farts. Firstly hoofing the ball deep on tackle one for Eric Andrews to collect and defuse; secondly - with only seconds to go (and with tackles to spare) lofting an impotent kick into the arms of a grateful Hornets defender.

The game ended in farcical confusion. Hornets - awarded a penalty as the hooter sounded - opted the run the ball; Dewsbury reefed the ball free and, in the ensuing panic, Mr Hicks decided he'd seen enough and blew for time.

Despite letting Dewsbury back into the game, it'd be churlish to take too much away from Hornets. Against NL1 opposition, this was a cracking win - significantly deserving of greater appreciation than the 482 hardy souls who braved the elements.

So - against the odds - Hornets 2008 NRC odyssey continues. A small step for some, but a giant leap in expectation for the Hornets faithful.