Ditchling all but snuff out promotion for Lions

The Lions following back to back wins went into this game needing a home win to keep promotion ambitions on track, the squad had plenty of recent 1st team experience though out the side and what appeared to be a strong team on paper. Unfortunately for Horsham games aren’t won on paper and some worrying omens were there for all to see with an error strewn and flat warm up. Now I like most have been in many error strewn lethargic warm ups and then watched the team play with ferociousness and intent throughout the game. This wasn’t one of those games, playing against the elements we hardly got a sniff of the ball for the first 20 minutes. Ditchling were focused and determined and if Horsham hadn’t been equally committed in the tackle Ditchling would certainly have crossed the line earlier than they did. Horsham in defence were resolute but because they were unable to make up any ground with the boot and repeated turn overs were often given back with interest as the visitors were given penalty after penalty. Not taking anything away from the hard working Ditchling pack who contested every breakdown as well as they attacked. Horsham’s attitude going forward was that their opponents would just roll over and allow them the ball. Maybe all the defensive work was taking its toll. With all this territory and pressure the Ditchling 10 decided enough was enough and went for the three points. This cannoned of one of the uprights but some strong work by Hendo saw that nothing came of it. Pressure was soon back on as the pattern of the first half continued and the next kicking opportunity was converted. From the restart there was a brief respite but Horsham were soon on the back foot. The defensive line pushed up yet again and the 10 having nowhere to go had to step back inside, sadly for the Lions the breakdown defenders had switched off, the line was breached the cover tackler drawn and a try scored under the posts. Things could have got worse for Horsham before half time when an attempted interception could have easily been adjudged to have been a deliberate knock on. 0 – 10 at half time.
The change of half with conditions behind them at last saw the Lions enjoying some territory and the penalties started being awarded to the home side. Matt Brown had a chance at the posts and scored 3 -10.
Now I’m not sure if I’ve got these in the right order as I was getting a little tired at this stage but I do remember a couple of incidents which were pivotal to the game. One was a disallowed try to Horsham for obstruction and another was a rare foray into the Horsham half ending with a Ditchling penalty on the 22. They opted to give it to a second row forward who ran a slow arc towards the posts. He was neither as fast nor frightening as the Ditchling 7 thought he was and this was probably the lowest point for the home team. This try effectively sealed it, further pressure from Horsham was dealt with and Ditchling came away with a well earn and deserved victory. Final score 3 – 18.
Next up Hove 2’s in the cup.

Rob Clegg