Horsham 1XV v CS Stags 1863

Horsham welcomed CS Stags to Coolhurst on Saturday searching for that crucial win to get their season underway. Reeling from the disappointing experience of Tunbridge Wells the week before the mood was actually still buoyant within the Team. Preparations had gone as well as expected during the week, except the state of availability which remains a huge problem at such an early stage of this new season. Between injuries and long weekends to the current Rugby World Cup, Horsham were forced into some selections that didn't help the current situation. Amongst 9 front row missing from the team sheet and other players tentatively returning from injury, the much anticipated return of top try scorer and Nigerian International 7's star Declan Nwachukwu had been delayed. Called out of retirement after a number of seasons away Giles Barber stepped up to answer the front row call, eventually being awarded the Player of the Match for an exhausting 80 minute stint at the coal face.

It was Stags that opened the scoring after 15 mins shortly followed by a second on the 26 minute mark, both converted. It was Horsham though that provided the talking point of the half as the referee ordered Horsham flanker, Jordan Smith, from the field of play. Whilst checking Smith after contact the Horsham Physio was told that Smith was to leave the field and not return as there was no HIA's at this level and it was the referee's opinion that he had received a head impact. Both player and physio respectfully complied with the referee whilst looking more bemused by the decision rather than the head impact that never happened.

Another two converted tries by Stags in the second half were only split by the solitary Horsham score from lock, Jack Osgood, converted by full back Henry Warwick. Again, the second half brought further discussion on the subject of HIA's. With Horsham in attack the referee stopped play for a Stags player he saw laid out on the floor, either waving at the crowd or possibly displaying tonic posturing. Either way, after a brief check by their physio the Stags player remained on the pitch and continued with the game, something which frustrated the onlooking Smith. The discussions that occurred after the final whistle shall remain private but safe to say the game still has a lot of work to do on clarifying this important area.

Final score 7-28

Next weekend Horsham take the short away trip to neighbours, Brighton RFC, for what is not only a local derby but seen as a must win for the Green Army. Brighton will be considered the favourites at home, having managed one win from their 4 rounds but have had their own challenges in this league. One thing is for sure it will be an absolute cracker on the coast next weekend.