A close run thing!

Horsham Barbarians 45 – 42 Littlehampton

The Baa-Baas opened their league campaign under the lights on Friday evening against Littlehampton. The first competitive game in 18 months was always going to be a tough test against a well drilled side that always combines a hard carrying pack with an effective back line.

In a break from tradition, the Baa-Baas used the warm up to good effect and started the game from the first whistle, rather than allow the opposition their usual easy start. The initial exchanges set the tone for the rest of the game with both sides attacking and defending well. It was Littlehampton however who opened the scoring under the Horsham posts when a pass was intercepted in midfield.

To say the response was immediate would be an understatement, as Todd Lowe timed his chase to perfection allowing the catcher no time. The resulting possession allowed Horsham to level within 30 seconds of the restart. This galvanised The Baa-Baas further and another score saw Horsham take a lead that they wouldn’t lose; just.

With scrums and line out working efficiently and the forwards ensuring good ball at the breakdown, the backs were able to test the Littlehampton defence and the lead was extended. Littlehampton hit back but once again Horsham repeated the restart trick. The defender bobbled the catch but didn’t get a second chance as the fast arriving Callum Boswell cleaned him out with a tremendous tackle and Horsham restored the gap.

With the start of the second half the Baa-Baas pack started to dominate the set-piece and a period in the ascendant allowed Horsham to extend the lead. After a solid drive in the scrum the following collapse saw Steve doing splits that Bambi would have been proud of but the backs were far to busy scoring to worry. Bambi made amends with his last action, scoring under the posts after a turnover by Red.

Further scores saw the lead peak at 45-21 but a combination of fatigue and injuries saw Littlehampton claw their way back. As the pressure built, Callum saw yellow saving a try by tackling early, but the score came from the resulting penalty. Another try soon followed as did another yellow when Browner was adjudged to have committed a ‘no-arms’ tackle. Down to 13, Horsham defended doggedly but another try followed bringing the score to 45-42 with 30 seconds left.

Back to 14 men, Horsham restarted and put the pressure on. Needing a try, Littlehampton attempted to break out but gave away a penalty for not releasing. Game won, or so it seemed! The tap was successful but the kick didn’t make touch and we went again. After being awarded another penalty, Horsham put the ball dead to seal the victory whereupon emotions spilled over and a small tussle ensued.

A hard game and a hard won victory. Everyone put in a shift and nothing was left on the pitch. Particular mentions go to Harry for a tireless performance in the back row and Rory for a try on his debut.

Many thanks to Andy Hepworth and Hepworth & Co Brewers for sponsoring the man of the match.

Horsham scorers;
Try - Dan Crook x 2, Freddie Underwood x 2, Matt Brown, Steve Etherington, Rory Cormack
Conv – Matt Brown x 5

Horsham Barbarians
Jim Richards (C), Todd Lowe, Steve Etherington, Lee Maguire, Ciaran Fitzgerald, Harry Radford, Andy Thornton, Dan Crook, Josh Blake, Chris Wood, Jason Baker, Matt Brown (MOTM), Shaun Page, Freddie Underwood, Alex Cleary, Elliot Martin, Joe Freeman, Jordan Chapman, Ben Pirt, Callum Boswell, Ben Birch, Rory Cormack