Horsham V Worthing 27.11.11

Horsham RUFC U’15s played Worthing U’15s in their fourth A League match of the season. Declan Nwachukwu opened the scoring for Horsham early in
the game and his try was swiftly converted by Liam Ruz to give Horsham a seven point advantage.

Horsham were keeping the intensity high as Michael Watson broke through the Worthing defence to touch down for his first try. It wasn't converted so the score was 12-0 to Horsham. Worthing fought back and scored however their try was not converted so the score was now 12-5. From the restart Horsham built up pressure and Watson used immense strength to break through Worthing's line of defence to touch down for his second. The try was not converted but Horsham maintained their lead as the score was 17-5. Horsham dominated possession and Nwachukwu used his immense pace to score two more tries before the half-time break, neither were converted so the half-time score was 29-5.

Horsham restarted the game and found themselves on the back foot. Several
Tackles were missed and a Worthing player broke through the line. Declan Nwachukwu was determined to stop him from scoring and he tackled the Worthing player just before the line, Matt Streeter was there to clear the ball away. Worthing increased the pressure and scored but it was not converted. Tom Clayton replied with a fantastic try and Ruz converted to keep a comfortable lead. Horsham were back in control.

Sean Richardson and Tom Ayre were dominating in the forwards and the hard work paid off as fast handling from Horsham's backs especially Matt Blake enabled Liam McGivern to run from the half-way line and touch down between the posts. Liam Ruz converted again. The score now 43-10 to Horsham. Worthing kicked over the Horsham defence and caught Nwachukwu off guard as he dropped the ball, he tried to regain possession but he was pulled back and held by a Worthing player. The referee did not see the obstruction on Nwachukwu and gave an unfair advantage to Worthing who went on to score the controversial try, which was also converted.

Horsham were feeling hard-done-by and so fought back fiercely which enabled Michael Watson to score his third try of the game. He completed his hat-trick and the game finished 48-17 with Horsham achieving their first win against ex County champions Worthing in junior rugby.

Match report by Matt Streeter.