Horsham Lions went to East Grinstead full of confidence. A 61-0 win only a month before said on paper this should be a formality, the Lions had a strong side very similar to the one which had convincingly beaten East Grinstead 3’s and a game plan to match. A solid warm up and the tone in the team was good. The 2nd and 3rd team pitches had taken a pounding from the overnight rain and the pitch was heavily soddon with numerous areas under water. A few players glance at the good surface of the main pitch but were told that this was reserved for the Clubs professional team, so snorkels where donned and play proceeded on the swamp with fingers crossed for no drownings.

East Grinstead won the toss and decided to play in to the tide, and the game started at a high level of physicality. East Grinstead looked nothing like the team which had succumbed to that heavy loss inflicted with several new players coming in and contributing stand out performances. One in particular Blaze the outside centre was carrying the ball with some ability, surely one for the future ‘G- Force’ squad. An early run took him some length up the pitch before Horsham finally managed to take his legs. His efforts earned his side some good field position and from a set piece Horsham were maybe keeping too much eye on him allowing a phase one score out on the wing.

Horsham were not perturbed and strove hard to get a foothold in the game. Sticking to the game plan they continued to recycle phase after phase and numerous penalties were awarded to Horsham which could of on another day easily seen the yellow card brandished. Horsham did eventually scored the try they well deserved but were unable to convert.

Half time EG 3’s 7 – Horsham Lions 5.

The game at this point was an attritional battle in the mud with runners from both sides matched by equally tough tackling from the defence. Constant hard work enabled Horsham a chance to take the lead with a penalty but the conditions weren’t great for the kickers and it drifted agonisingly wide. Further pressure from Horsham allowed another pot at goal and this time it crept over. With the game in the balance it was EG 3’s turn to apply some pressure and a refereeing decision to yellow card an aggrieved Dan Cass for playing the number 9 perhaps tilted the game in the third team’s favour. With the line begging the smallest open side in the league managed to dislodge the ball from the grasp of the tallest and eventual MOTM for East Grinstead 3’s hands. It would have come as a relief for someone who surely plays the game at higher levels that this didn’t cost them the tie as they crashed over the line shortly after. A simple conversion making the score 14-8. Horsham rallied but it was too little too late and despite a barnstorming run up the field by Emmett it wasn’t to be.

Whilst a few eyebrows were raised at the stash some of the EG’s boys were wearing after game alluded to regular playing experience elsewhere in the club but this was a distraction. Horsham were ultimately disappointed with the result, a couple of moments where the concentration dropped from the high levels maintained for nearly all the game and the failure to execute at the right times should be the points taken away from the match. Nick Stocker gave praise to the lads performance and in particular picked out the forwards for special praise. Credit must be given to the East Grinstead player, they played doggedly in a hard match and at times were immovable in defence and we wish them luck in the final.

Horsham Lions meanwhile move on to Ditchling 1st’s in the league. They’ll want good availabilities again if they want to continue their recent form and finish the season strongly. With the 1st XV in the main final I’m sure there will be places up for grabs for those with ability, desire and work ethic. With some of the performances I saw on Saturday some of the current shirt holders will need to stay on top of their games.

Lastly a mention to the guys who didn't gave up their Saturday afternoon and didn't get on. Your support was well appreciated by all the lads.

Rob Clegg

(Pictures stolen from Rob Wright - Thanks Rob!)