The Big Game

Green Army’s Pro Fit Match Shirts had been the victim of unfortunate circumstances – so our boys were all playing in black. Lessons learnt to Mothers – don’t let Fathers in charge of any washing!

The top of the league game had it all including a top referee who discussed pertinent infringements before kick-off. This unfortunately freaked both boys and especially parents out, so the game started as quiet as a Saturday morning football game from Horsham’s side. Midhurst took advantage and after two tries were up 12-0.

Whoever doubted us was wrong though as we did respond. Midhurst could not get the ball out of their defence due to our strong pressing and James Purbrick made it 12-5 for half time. Second half was going to be Horsham’s yet Midhurst responded quickly to 19-5. Their players were miles off-site on this occasion – which we quietly tried to bring forward. Midhurst played comfortably now and started to kick their too many penalties – and despite a good try from Ben Murphy, we had made too many bad decisions, mis-tackles and had bad hands so the match finished 32-12.

Midhurst showed passion, team work and a desire to win, and we underperformed – we know we have performed fantastically well this season but today in this big game we did not reflect any of that.

When the boys were asked what Coach Jones said in the after match talk, they answered: ‘He talked a lot about feelings’?? Sure the boys will not forget how they felt, and do not want to experience this again! Our two tries showed how easy it can be done if we want to play which we now need to show against Guernsey and Brighton and the other teams coming up against Green Army for the rest of the season.