Lions win again

Confidence levels were high for Horsham 2nd XV as they went into the fifth league game of their season following a win against local rivals Midhurst and a strong team selection. Crowborough kicked off the game, which lead to a fumbled receipt by Horsham and the first scrum of the day. It was clear from this point that the weight advantage of the home side’s forward pack would make life difficult for Horsham in the set piece and they proved dominant throughout.

First to get points on the board was Horsham through debutant George Palmer after just 3 minutes when he received the ball at outside centre and then, with a great turn of pace, beat both centres, the winger and the full back on the outside to touch down for a try which was duly converted. This was followed by a try from second row Adam Clayton who picked the ball from the base of a ruck 3 metres from the opposition try line and stretched over following a sustained period of pressure from Horsham in the tight. Strong territorial position and committed efforts led to Rob James demonstrating good finishing ability and adding a further Horsham try on 35 mins. Crowborough’s only answer at this stage was a single penalty. Half time saw the scores at 17-3 in favour of the visitors.

However, injuries to Adam Clayton and James Layzell resulted in an adjustment in the forwards with Dan Bourne joining the pack and Ben Birch coming into the backline. Continued struggles in the scrum were compounded by having to adjust positions meant the second half was one of soaking up considerable pressure. The lineout maul proved an effective attack and in spite of the injuries and the fact that both sides had a player each yellow carded, Horsham managed a further try midway through the second half when Jerry Downey – set up by an inside pop from Josh Steggles– powered through Crowborough’s defence to cross the line for Horsham’s 4th try, securing the bonus point. Crowborough managed to capitalise on a period of disorganisation in the Horsham side and scored two tries, converting one, but were prevented from further scores by solid defensive work and positional play from the visitors.

Despite the pressures that were applied to the young side, the Lions can and should be very encouraged to come away with a bonus point win over an established outfit in their new league.