Horsham u16's v London Scottish

A number of line outs close to the Horsham line seemed to have only one outcome, a Scottish try. However, some resolute defending by the Horsham pack knocked the initial surge out of the visitors. Once Matt Streeter cleared his lines the game took on a completely different shape and Horsham proceeded to play outstanding rugby for the next 20 minutes. Streeter was having his best game of the season at fly half and one searing break from the half way line saw him sprint clear of the defence. As the covering full back and wing converged on him he looked for support from his own wingers. Though they were conspicuous by their absence he did receive support from Jack "Red Bull for Breakfast" Plane and the prop powered through from Streeter's off load only to be tackled inside the 22. However, the ball was recycled quickly flashed down the line at a rate of knots and winger Liam McGivern outpaced the covering defence to score in the corner. An outstanding team try - probably the best of the season.

Horsham continued to dominate with some great rugby. The forwards drove and recycled and half backs Josh Steggles and Matt Streeter pulled the Scottish defence left and right. Another great backs move saw Matt Blake release Ben Birch down the right wing and he was only prevented from scoring a try by a high tackle. The resulting penalty saw no 8 Sean Richardson drive at the centre of the Scottish defence and off load to his back row partner in crime Tom Clayton who drove over for Horsham's second try which Liam Ruz converted. Horsham came close to a 3rd try but McGivern was held up short of the line. The whistle blew for the end of the first period with Horsham leading 12 -0. Great rugby.

Horsham then changed 14 of the players with the visitors also making changes - just not as many.

Despite a number of chances to score and some excellent work from newly converted flanker Max Phillips and good running from Ben Carbone and Aaron Pyzer, Horsham made some uncharacteristic defence errors. There was a lack of composure when there were simple chances to clear their lines and a number of very risky off loads and passes. This lead to a couple of charge down tries and Scottish played good rugby, took advantage and won the second period 17-0.

Horsham mixed the team up for the 3rd period and from the outset camped in the Scottish 22. Strong drives by Aiden Plumpton, Jack Plane, Callum Murphy, Dan Riley and Jake Mallinder had the strong Scottish forwards on the back foot. Under the guidance of Sean Richardson the big boys were looking for the perfect forward drive over try but Scottish put in some big defensive hits. Eventually, Steggles and Streeter persuaded them to release the ball to the backs and once again slick handling saw the ball arrive in Aaron Pyzer's hands. With the corner at his mercy he decided to step back inside but did have the presence of mind to off load to the looping Streeter who scored Horsham's 3rd try of the day. Ruz again converted.

Horsham weren't finished and an outstanding break by Liam McGivern (now playing at full back) was only stopped by a superb tackle by the Scottish full back. However, the ball was recycled and found its way to centre Ben Carbone who unselfishly fed wing Ross Carter. Despite a bit of a juggle Carter showed how quick he is as he sped in for Horsham's fourth try and his first for the club. Richardson's attempt at a conversion was quite frankly shocking and the whistle soon went with Horsham winning the 3rd period 12-0, giving a collective score of 24 -17 to the home side.

Max Phillips, Matt Streeter and Red Bull Plane were the top players on the day but all the wingers were outstanding as well leaving Declan Nwachukwu, who was resting a tweak and watching from the sidelines, wondering if he can get his place back!

It was a great mornings rugby played against a very prestigious club played in a great spirit - it was also very well reffed!"

Match report written by John Riley