Horsham lose nail-biter at Ashford

Both teams were without a number of players and both teams fielded a number of players out of position but this did not diminish the effort and commitment from both sides.

Ashford started the better of the two teams and had a great deal of possession in the first ten minutes but both sets of defenses were on top with no real penetration from either side. However, Horsham worked their way up the pitch and from a scrum 10m from the Ashford line Joey Walker attacked the blind side and fed Jerome Downey who powered over close to the touchline. Michael Turner converted with a towering kick. Ashford then came back into the game and on the 20 min mark their full back returned a clearing kick for a fine try which was converted making the score 7-7.

The second 20 min session was quite even but Ashford scored first with a penalty on 30 minutes. Horsham struck back almost immediately with Matt Lane-Miller carving through the midfield to score from 40m. Michael again converted. Again Ashford came back with their own good kick and chase to score and convert making the score 14-17. Then came the longest 45m of Joey Walker's life as he intercepted a pass on the half way line and just managed to outpace the defense to score in the corner. 19-17.

The third session saw both teams compete well but Ashford finished the stronger team and were awarded a penalty in front of the Horsham post at the death which they converted to snatch the win by a point 20-19.

This was a good work out for both teams and both teams played well. Our pack won good set piece ball from scrum and lineout although we lost possession too many times in the loose to a streetwise opposition. Michael Turner did well for his first time at 10 though more work is needed in the midfield on the running angles and pace of the moves, but this will come with practice.

Our two new lads Freddie Perkins and Aaron Webster did well and it was great to see our new “old boy” Harry Nelder back.

Some good things today, but also lots to work on.