Horsham and Brighton were both relegated to Regional 2 South East at the end of last season but it is the visitors who have found life in the lower league far easier enjoying a run of eleven successive victories in a seeming procession towards promotion and the title.

Whilst Brighton held no fear for the Green and Whites, having done the double over them last season, Horsham have had an inconsistent league campaign so far sitting in mid table.

It was however Horsham's best 40 minutes of the season to secure a 41-7 half time lead which laid the groundwork for a 55-43 win.

Horsham made a fast start with Joe Blake slotting a penalty in the second minute, followed by a try finished by Tom Whittaker following multiple phases, converted by Blake.

Whittaker added a second try following another great set of play after the ball was stolen in the line out by Jacob Denhart. After Blake’s conversion Horsham led 17-0 after 9 minutes.

It was then Tom Johnson’s turn to get on the scoresheet following a great counter-attack down the right wing before it was recycled to the left.
The four try bonus point was then secured after 26 minutes by Declan Nwachukwu from a defensive turnover and well moved by the forwards and backs combined, which was well converted by Blake to make it 29-0.

A try was then conceded from forward phases following defensive lapses and penalties before Johnson completed his brace following great set piece play which was carried through the defensive lines. Then on the stroke of half time Horsham scored a great turnover try with he ball moved well and a fine decision to kick into the 22 metre area by Aaron Linfield with Blake finishing well to make it 41-7 at the break.

Whether Horsham slackened off in the second half believing the game was already won, or Brighton played with more intent and precision, the second 40 minutes was a different game.

Brighton opened the scoring first out wide before Horsham skipper Josh Earle scored following great forwards pressure in the 22 metre area.
The visitors with their tails up then scored three tries in 10 minutes to narrow the deficit to 48-31 after 63 minutes, with dreams of a remarkable comeback.

Horsham tightened their defence and then put the result beyond Brighton on 78 minutes Whittaker completed his hattrick from first phase off a scrum to make the score 55-31.

Brighton scored two consolation tries in the final minutes to seal an amazing match.

A delighted Head of Rugby, Nick Stocker, said after the game: “A fine 1st half performance of aggressive running, pace on the ball and crisp passing delivered the best half of rugby this season which has been long overdue. The boys were excellent today playing with a relish that we have known about but had not yet seen this season.

Whilst the second half saw a strong fightback from Brighton recovering from 48-14 down after 55mins, 2 very late tries in the last minute ensured a closer scoreline than had otherwise shown to be the case. We are still to put together a full 80 mins but today is certainly something we can build upon and securing a convincing win over the deserved league leaders will do much for the second half of the season.

The set piece worked very well today with the front 5 putting in a massive shift with the lineout working particularly well. This platform gave the halfbacks great ball to pull the strings and with Tom Johnson creating doubt every time he had the ball he managed to help himself to a brace. With this speed and variety, the back row and remaining backs could play with freedom to create problems. The plaudits will go to Tom Whitaker- today playing at 15 with yet another hat trick but others were similarly influential. Declan is starting to play with confidence following a long absence through injury, Tom Sanders is growing in stature each day and Chris May-Miller is a defensive dynamo gluing the backs together. Young Tom Bishop had a monumental game at 8 with his back row partners Jordan Smith, Jack Thompson and Ian Paku all having big games.

In short, a great team performance that sends us in to the break in high spirits and eager to get back to business in the new year when we have the opportunity to put right a reversal away to Bromley.”