Green and White's consolidate sixth position with improved discipline

After a lofty penalty count cost them victory against Dartfordians in their last outing, the Green and Whites cut back on the infringements on Saturday. That resulted in their fourth win of the campaign against Old Alleynians in a well-contested game.

Stocker said: “Overall, there was much better discipline in the side and fewer penalties conceded. The defensive structure close to fringes was much better but as the game wore on we dropped off a few too many tackles, making life hard for ourselves. “The scrum was excellent and the forwards took charge in the close exchanges with fine rewards from a push-over try and a driven maul to cap it off.”

Will Bell and Ed Nethersole exchanged penalties early on as Horsham took a 6-3 lead. The opening try came on 15 minutes as Nethersole crashed over and then converted his own try. Ten minutes later, Mike Tredgett scored the Green and Whites’ first try from a five-metre scrum and Bell converted. The hosts profited from a driving maul as the ball was recycled for Alasdair Henderson to score and Nethersole converted. A great run from base of scrum by Tredgett led to a quick ball by Jonny Whiting, who off-loaded to supporting Will Johnson to finish for an 18-17 advantage.

Johnson touched down his second shortly after the break as he finished off a multi-phase move. Alleynians hit back with a turnover from a scrum and James Mair put down with Nethersole adding the extras. Soon after Sam Cornelius finished a good move to put the hosts 29-23 ahead. Horsham then swung the game back in their favour as Jordan Bell went over out wide from a tap penalty and Andy Carvell scored from a driving maul. Well Bell converted both for a 37-29 lead, before Nethersole put over a penalty with a minute remaining.

Stocker added: “There were very good performances from the back row of Mike Tredgett, Nick Bell and Jordan Smith and in the backs Will Johnson capped a fine performance with two tries, while Jordan Bell continues his development in the first team showing he has adapted very nicely to senior rugby.

“Man of the match however was awarded to Giles Barber who was excellent at tight head and made telling contributions in the open.”

Report by Ollie Berry - WSCT.