Horsham Under 9's Experience First Contact Rugby

Playing in Pool 2, with 3 other teams, Horsham encountered East Grinstead first up, and in a very close encounter, lost 2-1, Jacob Parsons scoring Horsham’s try. This was followed by Eastbourne, who taught the boys a lesson in aggression and rucking and Horsham succumbed 3-0. Finally in their pool, Horsham played Crawley, and continuing their timidity, were soon 3-0 down, however, this seemed to finally act as a trigger, and committing more to the breakdown, Horsham fought back to win 4-3, with tries from Oscar Tagg (2), Jacob Parsons and Jamie Thurston.

As a result of finishing third in their pool, Horsham entered a further pool for the bronze plate. This saw them play Chichester first, and a much more aggressive performance saw a good defensive display, and a 0-0 draw. In the final game of the day, Horsham continued their development and put in a fine all-round display to beat Haywards Heath 5-0, with tries from Oscar Tagg (2), Jacob Parsons, Jamie Thurston and Josh Wheatley. This saw Horsham win the bronze plate.

Jacob Parsons was Horsham’s player of the Festival, with special mention for Lewis McDonnell. All of the boys learnt a lot about contact rugby, and will undoubtedly build upon that experience over the coming weeks.