Triumphant Home Coming

Firstly I have to hold my hands up for the lack of pre-match preparation, we were late out and due to Friday evenings loss of players to the Lions team and then subsequent availability I wasn't quite sure who we had turning up. A Sussex Bitter head haze didn't help much but I firmly blame England for that one. My confusion seemed to find it's way to the team as we accidentally found ourselves with 16 men on the pitch when the whistle went. This didn't seem to hold back St.Frances who managed to get an early score despite this disadvantage and once we'd got the numbers correct again another followed after a bit of pat ball in the lineout was scooped up and the Number 4 galloped through the middle of the lineout touching down without opposition. Two scores down in the first ten and a bit of Deja Vu but wakey wakey Horsham Barbarians!

Thank fully this did seem to stir up the chaps as Horsham started to show glimpses of what was to come. The backs were putting together some flowing moves with Callum Boswell playing with assurity beyond his years at ten and the Horsham pack just holding firm against probably the toughest scrum they've faced along with the hill. I have to praise the front row here in particular, despite everyone knowing how much weight flankers and in particular open sides contribute. Kev Whitlock was outstanding in effort here and was one of many key components on the day.

Horsham were getting closer and it was hoped we could get the score that was missing from the week before. With the lineout stuttering a decision to run a tapped penalty lead to the first score. Mike Drew very much wanted the ball and made important ground, the subsequent recycle was quick which allowed a move which was swept back to the left seeing Otto the Welsh Wizard dot down unopposed in the corner. For all the hard work Horsham were putting in they were occasionally losing concentration and it was only from some fine defensive tackling from the back three, Messrs Sam Lunn, Otto Carlisle and Gary Simmonds which stopped St.Frances scoring on the break.

14 - 5 at half time with all to play for. Now I'm not sure if St.Frances had a Horsham style team talk at half time, the kind of one which says you're going good - keep it up and then for everyone to fall asleep in the first five after half time but Horsham scored quickly after the break. A great carry by Matt Brown who was taking the ball into some very congested areas and yet release and allow momentum to be retained in attack, with the ball eventually coming out to Mark Elliott on the left to show the trademark footwork and cross the line.

Horsham were now using their home knowledge and conditions to the full. Well supported now by the hardcore VP's who had rolled over from the 1st team game to cheer us on and the game was being played almost totally in the St Frances half with any forays being repulsed by some determined defense. Jonny Porter was exceptional in the loose and along with St Frances number 7. One of these battles went St.Frances way but a straightforward penalty drifted agonizingly wide. Jake Lowe added the next points with a fantastic piece of individual work and devastating turn of pace to scoot through. Then with the game still tight Callum cooling slotted a penalty to nudge the Barbarians in front. St.Frances did then enjoy their best period of pressure in the half but while having to chase the game Matt Brown read the pass and rapidly decelerated toward the line to earn a well deserved score.

Final score 28-14. Very much a team win. Whether 30 mins or 80 was given, everyone gave their all and from a Horsham perspective on the back of five tough away fixtures against a skilled St.Frances team. St.Frances deserve much credit for the way they approached and played the game and on behalf of Horsham wish them the best for the rest of the season.

Thanks to all the chaps for their availability and in particular the colts Callum Boswell, Tom Clayton, Tom Lowe and Will Thomas. We're not spoilt for numbers in the bottom team so your participation really makes a difference.The work we - as a team are putting in behind the scenes is also working, this was evident in three stalwarts of Horsham 1st teams of several generations being persuaded and volunteering to put the green shirts on again. Bill De Jong and Errol from the 1st Sussex cup winning team, Matt Brown and Johnny Porter from recent promotion securing sides. Anyone out there considering playing again should have a word with these guys. The massive grins on their faces afterwards said it all to me. Welcome back lads, we miss all our former players. Crawley away on the 22nd book it/sort it now.

Anyone who has any pics can they forward to me.