Pulborough 3s v Horsham Barbarians XV

Report by Jim Richards

On a warm and sunny afternoon, Horsham Barbarians finally got their season underway after a couple of false starts. The squad arrived at Pulborough to be greeted with the good news that a handful of late additions meant they would take the field with a full XV. Sadly no subs were available, and a distinct lack of backs meant a number of forwards found themselves out of position, although you would think Fish was born to be a 10.

The bad news was that no referee had been appointed, but a willing volunteer was found, albeit one with no experience of refereeing at a senior level. This was no handicap, as he gave an excellent performance and without him the match would not have gone ahead.

Horsham received the first kick-off, and the pattern for the early part of the first half was set, with Pulborough spreading the play wide, and exploiting the mismatches to score with their first attack. After 10 minutes it was looking like it would be a very long afternoon, but the Baa-Baas dug in, and were inspired by some superb try saving tackles from Marshy, Dan Bourne and Simon, one resulting in a nasty dislocated finger for Simon. Once reset by a Pulborough player Simon taped himself up and played on, they’re made of tough stuff these touch rugby players. The pack were on top of their opposition forcing the Pulborough scrum on to the back foot and the lineout was functioning well, despite only having 1 jumper. In the loose, Pulborough were making no headway around the fringes, and the rucks were competitive all afternoon. Horsham’s first injury saw Jarvis go off with a damaged hamstring and with 14 men, the score kept increasing. Tom Viney, stepped into the back line, and Pulborough finally put the Baa-Baa scrum under pressure with their one man advantage, but Nick Lewis was still able to get good ball at the base. Pulborough leant a man to even the teams up and the scrum was back to dominance. The best chance of the half for Horsham fell to Red, who found himself unsupported in open field and took the dubious decision to chip and chase. A better kick and an older full back might have seen a different result!​
The second half started much the same as the first with an early score for Pulborough, but the Baa-Baas battled on. Some battering runs by the second row pairing of Colin Marklew and Lee Maguire (M&M?) put Pulborough on the back foot, and Horsham started putting some phases together. Ewen, playing his first game of rugby for 6 years, grew into the game and started looking for the ball. Popeye was relentless as ever, even falling back on some of his old Judo skills (Ippon on this judge’s scorecard). Horsham lost Kieran to the second hamstring of the day, and Pulborough leant another player. Gareth Chamberlain’s triumphant return to the field ended early when he turned his ankle. With the Baa-Baas down to 14 once more, Pulborough turned the screw, and the one black mark on the pack’s day was conceding a pushover try from a catch and drive lineout. Pulbourough leant Horsham a third player and the final act saw Horsham get their reward for a valiant display with a number of phases on the Pulborough line resulting in a consolation try. I don’t know who scored as I was lying on the ground looking for an oxygen tent!

A special mention for Fubar who played the full match having run his first ever competitive 5km race in the morning. (PB too!) And a big thank you to Kieran & Mike from Barns Green, sorry we broke you.
Many thanks to Pulborough III for their hospitality and a good game, if not a good result.

Pulborough III 57 – 5 Horsham Barbarians
The Baa-Baas next game is Saturday 30th September v Bognor II. If you fancy watching rugby at a pace where you won’t miss any of the action, or even getting your boots dirty, we will see you there.