The Green and Whites are coming into form at the right stage of the season as they consolidate their position in fourth place in Regional 2 South East and in the promotion play off spots.

Horsham started quickly with a try scored by Tom Sanders from first phase off a scrum which was converted by Joe Blake. This was followed by Archie Fox scoring his first try for Horsham following great period of defence after a yellow card.

Dartfordians scored a try of their own after which Tom Whittaker got on the score sheet from a kick return straight carving through the defence.
The visitors then finished the first half strongly with two tries to narrow the deficit to 21-17 going into half time.

Horsham were ruthless after the break scoring six tries without reply.

Linfield scored following a good snipe. Sanders scored after a first phase attack and great support play, and Whittaker completed his brace and his 23rd try of the season following good defensive pressure with loose ball run back.

Sanders then completed his hat-trick of tries following a great Declan Nwachukwu break. Linfield completed his brace following quick thinking to take a tap penalty, then in the 80th minute George Howard scored a try following great forward pressure.

Joe Blake finished the match with 7 conversions.

Horsham’s Head of Rugby Nick Stocker said after the game: “A good 5 points against obdurate opponents who in the first half pushed us hard and it took us a while to wear them down. Eventually, having adjusted to the referee’s interpretations, we exerted control across the game, scoring some excellent tries in the process.

Our first half saw too many penalties granting easy entry into our 22m with Dartfordians’ lineout proving an effective weapon and 3 tries against. Having solved this problem, we shut them out in the second half whilst scoring 38 unanswered points which was testament to the defensive work we have focused on recently. Our attack proved very effective again and as we approach the business end of the season, we are beginning to build some momentum that was missing earlier in the season.

The forwards put in a big shift with excellent possession granted at set piece all afternoon, particularly in the scrum where we proved dominant, and our half backs were very effective in their decisions. Our centres and back three were big threats all afternoon, as shown by Tom Sanders’ hat trick having played at 13. Young Archie Fox scored his first 1st team try and Declan Nwachukwu has become chief assister in recent weeks with another all action performance today. With a brace each from Tom Whitaker and Aaron Linfield, 8 tries were scored by the backs today showing the balance in the way we like to approach our play with forwards providing possession for the backs to use well.

Our man of the match went to Aaron Linfield who controlled the game very effectively from 9 taking his two tries magnificently and keeping our tempo high throughout.

We have a week off before Old Reigatians where we hope to maintain momentum and pressure those in the table above us.”