The emphasis before the game was to get off to a good start and break the recent pattern of conceding tries early. So what happened? From dominating the first scrum, Horsham made a mess of clearing and from the ensuing line out Brighton performed a simple but effective backs move which saw them score under the posts! 7 - 0 with just over a minute gone.

Horsham's response was excellent and great vision from fly half Cameron Allan saw the ball moved down the line where wing Declan Nwachukwu picked the ball off his toes and then rounded the full back to score near the posts. Unfortunately the conversion was missed - 5 - 7.

Just when Horsham looked to convert their forward dominance into further points, slack tackling out wide on half way saw the tall and
pacy Brighton no 8 hurtle down the touchline to score in the corner. 5 - 12.

This was a bit of a hammer blow for Horsham but they knew they were more than capable of winning the game. Advantage was being played from a penalty when Cameron Allan launched a high kick towards the Brighton posts which the wing dropped over the line. Centre Tom Clayton was first to react, diving on the loose ball to score Horsham's second try. Again the conversion was missed. 10 - 12.

Horsham were starting to dominate, particularly up front and started to
move the ball wide. Captain and prop Kyle Fairs appeared in the line to off load to Nwachukwu who again showed the Brighton defence a clean pair of heals to touch under the post. Allan converted. 17 -12. Half time.

Horsham knew they had to start the second half well, particularly as they were playing into the wind. From the restart Brighton looked to run it out of their own 22 but much to the big crowds delight Tom Clayton intercepted and just managed to make it to the line to score his second try of the match. Conversion missed 22 - 12.

The game had reached a great standard and both teams were playing at a terrific pace. Horsham moved it wide and right wing Ben Birch was just brought down short of the Brighton line. However, Brighton came in from the side at the ensuing ruck and Horsham were awarded a penalty. Ever the poacher, Clayton took a quick tap and grounded in the corner for his hat trick. The conversion was missed but Horsham's lead was now 27 - 12. Surely the game was over!???

Brighton were having none of it and Horsham got nervous. Then came the promised weather storm and it was biblical! Facing in driving rain, hail and gale force wind, Horsham were bombarded by the big Brighton fowards on their own line. The defence was magnificent but the home side kept giving away penalties and eventually Brighton drove over for their 3rd try from one of them. 27 - 17 with 18 mins to go.

The weather worsened even further and the crowd near the clubhouse couldn't see the action at the far end of the pitch! Things got worse for Horsham as centre Matt Blake was yellow carded with 10 mins to go for persistent team offences at the breakdown. With the man advantage Brighton then upped the pressure with the storm at their backs but the Horsham team defence was magnificent. However, with 3 mins to go the home team tried to run out of defence instead of clearing to touch, Brighton regained possession and the right wing evaded a couple of tired tackles to scamper over in the corner. 27 - 22 with two mins to go! Tension at fever pitch.

From a deep kick off from Allan Horsham pinned Brighton on their own line. They soon had the ball but instead of kicking it out they went for a another try. Unfortunately, and much to the coaches horror, the ball was spilled, giving Brighton one more chance to attack. However, in doing this the ball was spilled over the line and flanker Daniel Riley pounced on the ball (closely followed by Nwachukwu) to score Horsham's 6th try and close out the game. Cam Allan's conversion was followed by the final whistle and a great roar of celebration and relief from Horsham's players and supporters. A truly magnificent game of Colts rugby played by two quality sides in often very challenging conditions indeed.

Man of the Match: Arguably the whole squad but special mentions have to go to 2nd row Robin Holt, blindside flanker Dan Cass and the ultimate chance taker, hat trick boy centre Tom Clayton.