1st XV - Men
Matches
Sat 14 Apr 2018  ·  London 2 South East
Haywards Heath
10
26
Horsham Rugby Club
1st XV - Men
Tries: J Steggles, I Fisher, J Wilde, T JohnsonConversions: J Wilde (2), T JohnsonYellow Carded: J Smith
Horsham comfortably win league and cup double header

Horsham comfortably win league and cup double header

Richard Ordidge15 Apr 2018 - 15:45
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Green and Whites finish strongly against Haywards Heath to score 26 points without reply

In a much-anticipated local derby at Whitemans Green, Horsham emerged in the end surprisingly comfortable winners to complete the double over Haywards Heath and end their four season long unbeaten home record. In the season opener at Coolhurst the Green and Whites were victorious by a single point and a similarly tight match was expected this time around with the sides standing fourth and fifth in the table.

The tension and excitement were ramped up by the match doubling as the Bob Rogers Cup semi-final with Horsham seeking to win the title for the fifth year in succession. They now have the honour of facing Hove in the final for the third time in five years with the game being played at Hastings on 28 April. Adding to the drama was that Horsham Thirds had beaten Haywards Heath Seconds in the final of the Sussex Bowl last weekend and there was extra determination from the hosts to bring home a win.

Horsham made a slow start in the end of season summer sunshine as Haywards Heath took an early lead with a penalty kick awarded for not releasing in the tackle. The Green and Whites were lacking precision with their kicking, conceding possession cheaply, and failing to break down a robust Heath defence. The home side were looking the more likely to score and when Jordan Smith was harshly yellow carded for a high tackle it looked as if Haywards Heath would take advantage but Horsham’s defensive line held firm for the full ten minute period, during which Tom Blewitt made a great break to relieve the pressure but was adjudged to have thrown forward in the tackle.

Ironically it was when the visitors were back to their full complement of players that the Haywards Heath centre made an excellent break off a flat pass from his own 22 metre line, which was well supported and the try was conceded as Horsham eventually ran out of defenders. The score was converted and after 31 minutes Haywards Heath were leading 10-0 and appeared to be building an insurmountable lead. There was nothing to suggest that this was the last time they would trouble the scoreboard and Horsham would score 26 points without reply!

Horsham secured a lifeline in what was a turning point in the game when Johnny Ordidge made a break in midfield supported by Mike Watts and then for scrum-half Josh Steggles to add an injection of pace to cross the line under the posts on the stroke of half-time. The try was converted by Joe Wilde and with the Green and Whites now going in to the break only 10-7 down, Nick Stocker would have had to change his half-time team talk and renewed belief would have surged through the team that they could win the game.

Iain Fisher scored a fine try breaking with a peel from a set line out to take the lead early in the second half. Haywards Heath were now reeling and when Horsham were awarded another penalty in an attacking position after some good work by Vince Everitt and Jonny Whiting, they opted for a scrum and Watts hit the line at pace to score from first phase which was converted by Wilde.

The bonus point try was then scored by Tom Johnson which he converted following a series of excellent line-outs.

A delighted Nick Stocker said after the game:

“It is always a tough to play Heath on their patch on a very heavy pitch despite the sunshine! That is evidenced by the fact that Heath have not lost at home in three complete seasons and this year Horsham are the only side to beat them home and away which is testament to the character and desire shown by the guys yesterday.

A number of people commented on the performance of two different halves but I prefer to highlight instead that the slope and heavy ground made it very hard for both teams when playing up hill. Turning around 10-7 down was a good result and with us playing more rugby as the game progressed, our threat came to the fore with some great tries scored in the last 30 minutes.

In particular some of the support play in the second half was excellent with Johnny Goward prominent as well as the likes of Vince Everitt, Jordan Smith and Johnny Ordidge all having telling contributions.

Whilst the line out malfunctioned early on, it was a source of two tries later in the game once its moving parts were oiled, and the scrum gradually gained dominance as the game wore on. Although not at our attacking best, in terms of spirit and character shown, in front of a big Sussex crowd, all of the coaches and players were very pleased with the outcome.

Man of the match was awarded to young colt Vince who had another fine physical game with telling carries and tackles along with excellent turnovers throughout.

We now have two weeks to prepare to defend our title and exact some revenge for the narrow defeat against Hove a few weeks ago when we meet them again in the Sussex cup final on the 28th April.”

Match details

Match date

Sat 14 Apr 2018

Kickoff

15:00

Competition

London 2 South East

League position

4
Horsham
5
Haywards Heath
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