Lions win away at Pulborough

Off the back of last season’s 100% league campaign, Horsham Lions travelled to Pulborough for the start of the 2011-12 Season in Sussex 2 West in optimistic and confident mood. The pre-season programme had been tough and challenging; fixtures against opposition several levels higher and a fierce fitness regime which commenced in early June meant that the Horsham Senior Squad were ready in all respects for the season ahead. Competition throughout the squad is tough and this has led to a fine balance in the Lions between youthful exuberance, coupled with the control of the more experienced player.

In the early exchanges at Pulborough, the home side were strong in the scrum and used the slope and strong prevailing wind to control territory into the Horsham 22. After 16 minutes Horsham opened the scoring with a characteristically strong run from back row Dan Crook, returning after a serious knee injury. Although unconverted the try showed that in the open game Horsham had the potential to cause the home side concern. Pulborough bounced back 12 minutes later and scored direct from a 5M scrum with a strong carry from their impressive No8. The teams went into half time with the score line unchanged at 7 – 5 to the hosts.

The second half started at pace and within 3 minutes young lock Tom Hedley had regained the lead for Horsham with a scything run from all of 55 metres. Almost from the re-start veteran winger Sam Rice went over to extend the lead to 19 – 7. The open running play was causing the larger Pulborough pack problems and the young ‘Green Army’ were beginning to recognise the opportunities on offer. To add to the frantic start Pulborough secured another forward orientated try – so within the first 6 minutes of the half, three tries had been scored and the small but enthusiastic crowd in attendance were being well entertained. The remainder of the half saw Horsham extend their lead and stretch the home defence. Further tries from Tom Wright, Chris Blake, Lewis Rixon, Jamie Knight and another for the tiring legs of Sam Rice meant a final score of 46 – 14 to Horsham; a great start to the league campaign.

Director of Rugby Mal Chumbley, in attendance to cast his eye over those players challenging the 1st Team for selections said afterwards: “Delighted with the start, despite some new combinations and some unfamiliar faces all the team showed energy and a desire to play the type of expansive rugby Horsham are developing. It’s great to see the home grown talent coming through from the Colts and this is a credit to their coaches over the years. The challenge now is to build on this positive start, raise our standards and see who starts to push the 1st team for section. Competition for places is vital for success as a club and that’s why the Lions is such an important team for us at Horsham“