Horsham Women 1st XV vs Canterbury Ladies

Sunday 14th January 2024

A full Sunday of rugby ensued at Horsham Rugby Club. The morning began with a full complement of mini & junior rugby, enjoyed by all involved. Players, supporters, and the odd pet.

The afternoon’s main event was the Horsham Women’s 1st XV game against their close rivals, Canterbury, who were 3rd in the table, just behind Horsham. Again, the gnarly weatherbeaten forwards warmed up on the scrummage machine whilst the darlings of the backline warmed their hands in the exquisite new changing rooms, luxuriating in the warmth, before coming out to join the forwards and run through the plays practiced at the weekly training sessions.

The game started with eager anticipation, both teams sniping against practiced defenses. It became clear from the opening salvo’s that two types of game plays were being employed. Canterbury relying on their heavier forward picking and driving game, Horsham desperate to move the ball wide to the pacy and classy backline.

The first half was interspersed with strong drives from the visitors and sublime handling from Horsham. The rearranged pack undertaking their roles as expected, with determination and grit, ably guided by our esteemed second row Chloe Murray, who, as senior professional, showed the younger ladies what ‘putting in a shift’ actually means. Nobody doubted her pedigree, and younger players rallied to her guidance with tenaciousness. Our diminutive centre Rachel Marchesan, who’s fleet of foot and dynamic running brought a superb try towards the end of the first half, converted by our charismatic open side Chloe “Shaun” Ansell (a part-time shepherdess) giving Horsham a slender 12-10 lead at half time. All to play for! The huge crowd at the Coolhurst ground (nudging 3 figures!) sensed that a second half of monumental proportions was looming. They were not to be disappointed.

The half started brightly, only to be dulled by two tries from Canterbury, with the resolve and guts of Horsham’s defence being tested to its limits. Our forwards, who were in a true battle, were only able to provide limited ball to the backline. However, our strong running speedster, Kacey Matthews, when given the opportunity, completed another hattrick. Another conversion from ‘Shaun’ edged Horsham into the lead 24-20.

Canterbury regrouped and came back hard. A period of Canterbury dominance resulted in them making ground and becoming entrenched on the Horsham tryline. Wave after wave of attacks were being repelled by strong defence and body crunching tackles. Something had to give. Horsham’s blind side flank forward debutant, Kit Ahweyevu, taking a yellow card for the team. Canterbury pounced from the ensuing penalty and a try was awarded. 24-25 to the visitors with time running out.

Ably roused by the Horsham captain, “Snakehips” Addison, the team drew breath, reached deep within themselves and launched a last attack, pushing deeper and deeper into the opposition half, edging closer to the tryline. The pressure from Horsham began to tell and Canterbury gave away a flurry of penalties allowing Horsham to edge ever closer to the opposition’s tryline. In the dying seconds of the game the pressure from Horsham was too much and the visitors gave away another penalty, just 5 metres from their tryline. The decision was taken to kick at the posts.

The crowd grew silent and up strode ‘Shaun’. The coaches couldn’t watch. The silence was deafening! With the last play of the game, the kick was straight and true, and a roar erupted from spectators and players alike, confirming the 27-25 win. Wild scenes erupted as the players mobbed ‘Shaun’ and relief washed over the coaching team. A close entertaining match proving women’s rugby at Coolhurst is truly on the map, and maybe making the ground into the fortress we know it can become.

Next up Horsham have an away ‘International’ fixture vs Guernsey. Stay tuned for updates.

Scribed by Penpal Pete Softley

Editor in chief: Fubar