Horsham secure victory over old rivals

Horsham secured their fourth win following promotion against old rivals Dartfordians 38-22 to climb to fifth in London 1 South played in wet conditions at Coolhurst played in front of a large crowd swelled by the Vice Presidents Lunch. The two sides have followed each other up the leagues since fighting it out at the bottom end of London 3 South East ten years ago, but the visitors have had a difficult start to the season without any wins so far although in mitigation they have had a tough run of games playing all the candidates for promotion and have easier fixtures on paper to come.

Head Coach Nick Stocker said: “A pleasing result against our old foes Dartfordians and encouraging to see the progress that the squad have made in recent years. With a new front and back row, an untried combination in the centres and key experience still on the sidelines, a bonus point win in wet conditions is a great result.”

Horsham started quickly when from a solid scrum Frankie Smith made a great line break following a backs move to score in the first minute which was well converted by Tom Johnson. The Green and Whites then conceded a penalty at the breakdown which was slotted by Mike Briggs from Dartfordians, followed by a good kick through in attack by Frankie Smith which saw field position and a lineout drive by the forwards for Mike Tredgett to score. 14-3.

On 31 minutes a strong scrum put pressure on the opposition ball and a charge down by Tom Johnson saw the ball regathered and Jordan Bell in support made a clever kick in field for Frankie Smith following up to score which was well converted by Johnson. Dartfordians immediately responded with a try from Ryan Chandler following a missed tackle at a ruck which saw a line break and good patience to score.

On the stroke of half time Horsham secured their four try bonus point from a scrum which saw Tom Johnson power over to score after a back row move which he converted. 28-8.

Dartfordians had a far better second half and after a line break and subsequent several pick and goes Sam Allen went over to score which was converted by Briggs. Horsham came back with a try from a first phase move in the backs with great attacking lines on display from a scrum which saw Josh Sudder score his debut try out wide, which was well converted by Johnson from the touchline. The Green and Whites then extended their lead with a thumping penalty from Johnson 48 metres out.

The visitors continued to battle away and in the final play of the game Allen scored his second try converted by Briggs.

Stocker reflected after the game. “We dominated territory in the first half and were clinical in our attack, particularly off scrum which lead directly to 3 first half tries. In the second, with the bonus point secured, we asked for composure in the face of an anticipated Darts fight back and this was delivered where having weathered a strong attacking surge for 20 minutes, we began to reassert control allowing the team to close the game out comfortably in the final quarter.

The forwards were excellent today with Finn Hillicks and Mike Tredgett very prominent with their ball carrying and in his first starting appearance at 1st team level, 20 year old prop Josh Earle was excellent with a work rate that sets the tone for others to follow. In the backs, Tom Johnson’s welcome return saw a faultless kicking display followed up with a try and Frankie Smith scored his debut tries alone with debutant former Colt Josh Sudder who is looking a very decent prospect. However, capping an excellent recent run of form, Man of Match was awarded to Jordan Smith playing at 7 this week. His aggressive defence, great carries and all round rugby intelligence in poor conditions was excellent today and thoroughly deserved the recognition.

Next week, we have a tough away trip to Thurrock. With senior players returning in the week we will have some interesting selection headaches this week which is exactly the conundrum we need to keep pushing such performances.”

Horsham: Watts (Sudder); Wilde, Johnson, Smith F, Squire; Bell J, Linfield; Cass, Preston, Earle (Brady); Goward, Osgood; Hillicks, Smith J, Tredgett (O’Rahilly)