A Game of Numbers

Littlehampton are a 1st team. Last year we took them on at home during a period we were playing well. Sadly also on that day they couldn’t bring a full team and we leant them a player. They comprehensively beat us that day and we ended the game struggling to fill our own team due to injuries. These memories were foremost in my mind when it was revealed that Littlehampton were only able to travel with 13 men. They also couldn’t scrummage because it was the props who’d found better things to do rather than make a trip to tropical Horsham on a cold grey February. Now I did feel for them, despite not having a full complement, 13 of them had made the trip but past recollections fuel the decisions we make and I decided to follow the league regulations and so it was 13 v 14 to start the game.

Horsham won the toss and I decided to take the hill in the first half but were soon on the back foot. Playing predominantly a 10 man game with a heavy direct runner at fly half fringe tackling was being exploited and ground lost at regular times. Up the hill with a man down Littlehampton had reduced the deficit of no front row to 5 points. From the restart Littlehampton continued to assert themselves but the defence was a little more resolute and slowly Horsham started to work closer to the line. Facing a good defence Horsham just lacked a little accuracy in their final execution and a number of chances went begging until eventually a period of phases saw Rob Clegg crash over from short range following a good pass by Doug Wright. The remaining time saw Horsham huff and puff without any end product.

With a second half up the hill there was plenty to do for the Barbarians, with Littlehampton keen not to commit too many to the breakdown Horsham started to use the pick and go to good effect. Following probably their best passage of play Guy Young scored a well worked move to cross near the corner. Despite their big numerical advantage including the bench the heavy ground and nature of the contest was taking its toll with Horsham constantly reshuffled. Following a failed attempt to clear the lines Littlehampton established a good foothold in the Horsham half and a good driven lineout saw a peel off from the back make it over in the corner. This rallied Littlehampton but although they had a couple of good line breaks the Horsham line wasn’t breached where it counted and they closed out the win 22-10.

This week there were a few good performances, Ben Pirt made a big impact both in the back row and as a centre. Guy Young added composure and when things flowed they often went through him. It was good to see Big Red and Lee Maguire back in green, Red worked tirelessly and Lee added some great physicality in the contact area. Doug’s distribution was essential and Bryn made some courageous attempts on the Bognor man. Colin Markew carried well and Tom Lichfield was as brave with the ball as in the tackle. Final word goes to the Birches, Ben and Paul. Well done Father and Son, neither put a foot wrong and made telling contributions it was great to play with you both today.

Top marks to Tom Mathias for helping sweep the changing rooms for the mini’s and juniors tomorrow. Green Army.