PAPA JOHNS COMMUNITY CUP FINAL
Sunday 07th May 2023
Horsham 35-40 Old Northamptonians
Report by Richard Ordidge

Horsham started the game strongly with scrum-half Aaron Linfield crossing the line on 7 minutes after Taylor Morris had broken the defensive line converted by Oli Chennell.

Old Northamptonians hit back quickly with a score of their own from No.8 Luke Bond, who powered over to level the scores at 7-7 after 10 minutes.

Horsham then found a purple patch in the second quarter of the match scoring twice, first through Richard Tredgett after several phases following a Declan Nwachukwu break, and then flanker Jordan Smith after a powerful 20 yard drive off a line-out which led to a yellow card for Old Northamptonian for bringing down the maul when a try looked likely, both converted by Chennell to take a 21-7 half time lead.

But Old Northamptonians were not going to rollover for their opponents and found a second gear as they scored 26 points without reply scoring four tries from Jake Diggin, Rory Seymour and two from Joel Grayson, son of England legend Paul Grayson, who was the difference between the sides to take a 33-21 lead with just 10 minutes left on the clock.

Horsham scored another try to give themselves a chance when Ed Mannhardt went over after a searing break by Joe Blake, but then Grayson completed his hat-trick with the try of the match as he wriggled out of two tackles, rounded a third and accelerated through the gap to score.

There was still time for Horsham to gain some scoreline respectability with a consolation score from Jonny Goward in a frantic last few minutes.

Horsham Head Coach Nick Stocker said proudly after the match: "When interviewed ahead of the game I was asked what I was most looking forward to on the day. My response - to witness the Green Army out in force. What a sight they were! The occasion, a National Cup Final at Twickenham made it hugely special for all involved. The Horsham supporters were simply magnificent and I know that each of us will cherish the memories and emotions of the day, epitomised by the way we were welcomed through the Twickenham gates ahead of kick off.

The coach in me is naturally disappointed we did not close out a win from 21-7 up at halftime. Having controlled the game in the first half we seemed to run out of steam in the third quarter where our usual unyielding defensive pressure creaked and we leaked too many points. Perhaps the emotions of the day finally caught up with us after a long bruising season and Old Northamptonians adapted to key injuries more readily than ourselves. We knew the lads would fight to the end and they showed their character in the fight back having earlier lost the lead and momentum. We knew it would take a classy outfit to beat us. Old Northamptonians are exactly that, and we wish them well for the future.

It is an unnatural feeling for a competitive sportsman to admit however that on the day the result was immaterial. The impact the day has had on the club feels hugely unifying and with it, the messages we’ve received highlight the pride felt, the connections made and the sheer joy of the occasion, all of which put the result in context. Whilst the players have a memory of a lifetime to hold onto, there is a real sense of the next generation of players being inspired to emulate what the lads have done. At Horsham our vision is to bring rugby to the community and inspire a lifelong love of the game. There is no better single event that better demonstrates that we are taking huge strides towards that vision and I personally could not feel more proud of the club, it’s members, players and of course its awesome supporters."