1st XV - Men
Matches
Sat 07 Apr 2018  ·  London 2 South East
Horsham Rugby Club
1st XV - Men
Tries: D Nwachukwu (2), J Whiting, J Steggles, R Maguire, J Wilde, M WattsConversions: J Wilde (3)
41
12
Dover
Nwachukwu brace puts Horsham in control

Nwachukwu brace puts Horsham in control

Richard Ordidge8 Apr 2018 - 17:29
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Convincing win for Green and Whites

Horsham made a blistering start scoring five first half tries in one of their best performances of the season against Dover and avenging the narrow defeat in Kent in December. Dover have been the form side in the league with only one defeat since Christmas and the avalanche of early points for the hosts made a mockery of the pre-match predictions of a tight game. On this form the Green and Whites will be kicking themselves that but for some mid-season inconsistency with defeats against sides lower in the table they could have been challenging for the second-place promotion play-off spot.

Next up on Saturday is a local derby with Haywards Heath who at fifth are one place lower than Horsham in the league table, but as if the stakes for bragging rights were not already high enough, this match doubles up as the Bob Rogers Cup semi-final for the honour to play Hove in the final where Horsham will be seeking to win the title for the fifth year in succession.

In the first ten minutes there was clear intent by Dover to play open attacking rugby but the defending was good and the visitors were kept pinned in their own half. Horsham finally opened the scoring after 16 minutes when from first phase the ball was spun wide with Declan Nwachukwu looping round to finish wide on the right.

A great turnover from Jonny Whiting started a counter attack and when Tom Johnson kicked long Nwachukwu chased hard, made the tackle and then was first to pounce on the loose ball to score his second try and make it 10-0. Minutes later after more pressure and a cynical penalty that didn’t draw a yellow card, Whiting finished a great try following a set move at a line-out. Nwachukwu then left the field as a precaution following a slight strain to be replaced by Rob Grant but there was no let up on the scoreboard.

Josh Steggles made an interception on the half-way line to run in and score under the posts converted by Joe Wilde. Mike Watts then took a quick tap penalty and with good support from Whiting and Vince Everitt a try was scored by Ryan Maguire converted by Wilde and Horsham went into the break leading 29-0 with the game seemingly won.

The second-half was far more even as Dover refused to let their heads drop. Horsham opened the scoring with a great pick up from Whiting at the back of the scrum and a strong carry with a quick recycle wide to Wilde who finished well and converted from the touchline.

Dover responded with a try from a driving maul which was well recycled and then when Horsham tried to run the ball out of defence handling errors gifted a try out wide as the visitors narrowed the deficit to 36-12. A good scrum and set up play saw Watts finish well to seal a good 41-12 win.

A delighted Horsham head coach Nick Stocker reflected after the game:

“A good performance from the whole team today. The set piece functioned well - particularly the scrum which was dominant and the work rate of the forwards around the park with strong carries all day gave a real platform for the backs to play.

Our accuracy was on the whole excellent and combined with the pace we possess, we stretched Dover’s defence all afternoon. The performance certainly makes up for a last gasp defeat at their place in December when for several reasons we had to field a very under strength side.

There were a number of excellent performances yesterday with Ryan Maguire capping a fine performance with a well taken try, Vince Everitt again causing problems and Dan Cass his physical self. All 3 Johnny’s had strong games with Johnny Whiting in particular proving a handful in attack.

In the three quarters the back three again looked very sharp and Declan Nwachukwu scoring two tries before an injury showed the threat he personally poses. Joe Wilde had a strong game even if his kicking boots were off in his quest for 200 league points this season and the half backs kept the tempo and shape of attack all afternoon. Man of the match was awarded to Kyle Fairs who had a great game with telling carries whilst being destructive at the scrum. For the teams ever present player this season, a good reward for a fine performance today.

Next up the final league game away to Haywards Heath which also doubles as the Bob Rogers Cup semi-final where we aim to try to defend our title.”

Match details

Match date

Sat 07 Apr 2018

Kickoff

15:00

Competition

London 2 South East

League position

4
Horsham
7
Dover
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Club Sponsor - Thakeham
Club Sponsor - Benchmark Capital
Team sponsor - Red River Solutions
Club Sponsor - Gardner & Scardifield
Club Sponsor - Christ's Hospital