Horsham back up to 4th

Following a successful first round cup win over unbeaten H.A.C, Horsham returned to League action with confidence that there would be a reversal of previous seasons' fortunes with a win over Bromley. Recent seasons have seen Bromley take all the honours in the match ups with the exception of a solitary draw at home last season. Preparations and availabilities had gone well and the boys were keen to get stuck in.

This was evident by the way Horsham exploded out of the blocks scoring a try in the first minute. Gathering the ball well from the Bromley kick off, Johnny Whiting carried and the ball was recycled allowing for a well-placed clearance kick upfield. The chasing backs put the Bromley wing and 15 under pressure resulting in a Horsham lineout on the Bromley 22. A fine take and first phase play saw Nick Essex slice through the centres to score under the posts and duly converted by Will Johnson. 7 - 0

Controlled by Angelo Shepherd at 10, Horsham began to exert a grip on the game, moving the heavier Bromley pack around the pitch and having the better of the territory. First phase was dominant and the omens were good. Following a period of pressure in the Bromley half, and yet another Bromley infringement, a penalty was conceded and Will Johnson stepped up to make it 10-0 with 8 minutes played.

At this point however, the cohesion that Horsham had displayed went missing with two injuries. Angelo Shepherd who has been in a rich vein of form and stand in skipper for the day was hit with a cheap shot that saw him leave the field with concussion. This was immediately followed by a hamstring injury to Nick Bell at loose head. Combined the effect saw Horsham's momentum stall and although Horsham continued to dominate territory and the phases, the fluidity with which they had attacked deserted them.

Given this opportunity, Bromley started to gradually get back into the game and following a near miss after a fine sweeping play by the Bromley backs, Bromley's pacy fullback was again given the space to outsprint Horsham's cover for an unconverted try. 10 - 5 after 34 minutes.

This seemed to spark Horsham back into life when increased urgency saw tight head Giles Barber carry well into the Bromley defensive line and with quick recycled ball and better hands, the backs combined to put replacement Jamie Gibbs over for an unconverted try - 15 -5 after 34 minutes

In stoppage time following an injury laden first half, Bromley struck again after securing turn over ball. That it came from a Horsham quick tap penalty with the referee signalling advantage for not 10m was immaterial. Standing behind the posts as Bromley's conversion kick was missed, even the Bromley faithful were amazed at that particular decision. So despite the bright start, and the lion's share of the game, Horsham had only a slender advantage going into the break - 15-10 at half time.

The second half started much as the first finished, with a lack of fluidity, several stoppages and on balance not the most entertaining of fares. After 55 minutes, Bromley went into the lead for the first time following some good running and excellent work by Bromley's full back and their man of the match. 15 - 17

With Horsham beginning to pressure a tiring Bromley, Horsham secured a lineout deep in Bromley territory and executed a fine catch and drive to put Rob Grantham Hill over for an unconverted try - 64 minutes gone and the scores at 20-17

However, almost from the kick off, a lapse of concentration saw Bromley secure turn over ball in Horsham's 22m and following a series of drives at the try line found a gap on the short side to score an unconverted try - 65 mins and the score 20-22 in Bromley's favour.

From a Horsham perspective, the last 15 minutes showed some of the character that had gone missing from the 8th minute with a sense of urgency instilled into the play. Errors were still present, but the energy levels and appetite to play increased resulting in pressure in the Bromley 22m. This eventually paid off when a free kick was played quickly and Will Johnson found space in the left of a ruck to score behind the posts. His kick was converted giving Horsham their 4th Try bonus point with still the win to play for. 75mins - 27-22.

Bromley in turn raised their game for the final few minutes and tried to batter their way over the line. Horsham's defence stood firm and more importantly, under pressure did not give away any penalties to allow Bromley the opportunity to score. The referee blew for time with the final score at 27-22 in Horsham's favour.

To have secured a bonus point win over a side that Horsham have not beaten in recent years was very pleasing. More positively was that fact that despite the disruption that the injuries caused, Horsham managed to adapt and continue where they left off albeit with a reduction in the accuracy of their play. This will breed further confidence in the squad which will be tested in full over the next two fixtures beginning with top of the table Crowborough on the 29th October.