The Hornets played Hamilton in Hamilton.

Coach Trevor Holmes said his side struggled early in the match.

"Our first half was very slow," he said. "I think we were still in holiday mode and couldn't snap out of it.

"Once we woke up, we played much better."

Hamilton established a 30-point lead by half-time.

The Hornets were able to contain them in the second half, with the final score 82-52.

"We matched them after half-time," Holmes said. "We won the third term 14 points to eight, so that is a positive.

"Our defence was also good in the second half."

Holmes said his side conceded too many three-point throws.

"You can't let the opposition score 27 points from three-pointers, you'll never win doing that," he said.

Despite the loss, Holmes said their offence should promise.

"Jarrod Ohayon was our best with 12 points and Stuart Robinson had eight, but across the board everyone scored," he said.

"Everyone contributed, so that is a real positive."

The Hornets return to Horsham this weekend, facing Portland on Saturday night.

Holmes said a special exhibition match was planned, with the Victorian intellectually disabled men's side to play Horsham's under-18 team.

Holmes is the coach of the state side.