Another tough game on a slow pitch against a strong Cranleigh side had Horsham defending for long periods of the first half which ended 0-0.
Our set piece (line out & scrum), which is usually our strength, was a bit hit & miss which meant we were starved of possession for long periods of the game.
We put ourselves under pressure but defended magnificently holding up Cranleigh when over the try line on one occasion.
Horsham didn't always make the right game management decisions & still tried to run the ball out of our 22 when on the back foot!
But the never say die spirit within the squad kept us in the game & at the start of the second half Ben Murphy scored an excellent try in the corner created by James Purbrick.
Matt Allen just came up short with the conversion from the touchline. 0-5
The game started to opened up & Cranleigh scored a try towards the end of the match putting pressure on the Horsham defense as we tried to run the ball out of our own 22 ...... again.
It was well deserved but having missed their conversion the scores were tied at 5-5 in a very competitive game.
In the final minute Horsham had a penalty 40 metres from the Cranleigh posts.
Ryan "Declan" Maguire was nominated to take the kick which unfortunately fell short but was still in play & picked up by the Cranleigh defense.
Horsham battled to retain the ball with the try line beckoning & were awarded another penalty with seconds left - this was to be the last play of the match.
Could Matt Allen secure the win with a kick from the 22?
To the disappointment of the Horsham team & delight of the Cranleigh players the ball just drifted to the right of the posts making the final score 5-5.
It was an entertaining game of rugby & a result which both teams were fairly happy with.
Some set piece for the coaching team to work on as well as a bit of kicking practice under pressure for Matt!
But these are things we are developing throughout the season & can improve on - with the most pleasing aspect being our defense, great attitude & team spirit.