Top of the table clash win for Horsham

This was an eagerly waited for clash between the two top sides in London 3 SE and the match didn't disapoint.The weather was fine , pitch in good condition and the hospitality from Horsham was fantastic. The big crowd was expectant and they wern't disappointed as the home team started with a pace and power not often seen in this league. For the first 25 minutes I don't think the visitors had their hands on the ball as the home side used their biggger team to great effect and having conceded 12 penalties in no time at all it looked like a runaway victory for the league leaders. The Horsham players were playing with confidence and Darts couldn't get into the game and it ws only a matter of time before Horsham were on the board with a well worked try which was well converted by their no10. More pressure from Horsham forced a penalty which was converted to take score to 10-0. Joe Bowmer was then yellow carded for an apparent tackle without using his arms and it was disster time for the visitors. Another well worked try from Horsham took the score to 17-0 and it seemed as though it would be a very bad day at the office for Darts. At last a bit of continuity got the visitors into the Horsham half and a penalty was conceded which was converted by Ciaren Kent to take the score to 17-3. Although under pressure the smaller Darts fowards showed no lack of guts and all the team were working hard to get back into the match but sheer size and good organisation from the home team made it very tough for the visitors. It was now a more even game and Darts put on some decent pressure to force another penalty and although the spectators were looking for a kick for touch and a line out drive Darts took the kick at goal which unfortunately missed. The first half ended with Horsham in a deserved lead.
The second was a more even affair as Darts managed to get some more phases together and they were desperately trying to get the ball to their free scoring wingers but the home defence was excellent. Darts were able to keep their play together and force the home side into making mistakes and after some good pressure a deliberate knock on saw the home No 6 somewhat harshly sin binned but this probably evened things up for the Darts first half yellow. More pressure but more good defence from Horsham kept Darts from scoring. Darts have a great deal of spirit in the side and eventually the pressure told and a good inside pass saw big Tim Stagg go over for his 7th try of the season giving him a total of 6 feet of try scoring running distance this year. Darts were trying to get their big runners like MarCHIN Ryan in the game but the defensive work of the Horsham forwards was impressive. The home team's No 10 kicked for position well and the their offloading game was very hard to contain and despite terrific defence from Darts a penalty was conceded which was converted to take the score to 20-8. Darts had to make a great effort and with the introduction of Alex Vousden, having arrived after a 22 hour journey back from skiing , and Craig Curley making his comeback after travelling they kept Horshm on the back foot. However you are not top of the table for nothing and the home team forced their way back into the Darts half. Unbelievably a poor clarance kick went loose and a good chase by Ciaren Kent saw the ball releaaed to Connor Sutherland who ran 50 yards to score under the posts. Ciaren Kent converted to take the score to 20-15. More pressure from Darts put Horsham on the back foot as the visitors felt that they could come away with a win and an opportunity from a 5 metre scrum was lost when the more experienced Horsham pack turned the ball over. The game finished with a deserved home win but the home spectators did not want see another 5-10 minutes of play with Darts finishing on top.
Although disappointed with losing Darts went home with a bonus point against an extremely good and committed team who deserve to be top of the table and should be rewarded with promotion to London 2 at the end of the season.
Darts as always punched above their weight with great contributions from Joe Wheeler, Kenny Lee, Connor Sutherland, Ginger Finn and man of the match Si Briggs.
Next week we entertain Charlton Pk in the Kent Cup and play for the Rupert Cup in memory of Howard Rogers.