Hove XV vs Horsham XV

Hove vs. Horsham (A)

After a humiliating drubbing at the hands of Horsham in the reverse fixture, Hove eagerly awaited righting the wrongs sustained on that afternoon.
Horsham kicked off deep into the Hove half and a sliced clearance kick allowed a good attacking opportunity for Horsham. Horsham attacked hard round the corner with Hove’s defence standing firm for the first 15 minutes until a lapse in concentration allowed the Horsham 7 to run under the sticks unopposed – the extra points a given and Hove trailed 7-0.
The Horsham 10 made good use of the wind and constantly pinned the Hove side back into their half. Controlling the possession and territory Horsham were looking for more points and these came as the ball was spun wide and the Horsham right winger stepped inside his man to score in the corner. Conversion missed and Horsham led 12-0.
A penalty attempt from the Horsham full back drifted wide before Hove had their first real meaningful attack. The ball was spun out to Boyd Flavell who scythed through a gap in the centres before drawing the full back to put Martin Macdonald over for the 5 points. Conversion successful from Sam Whiting and at HT Hove trailed 12-7.
With the wind behind them Hove knew that it was going to be tough for Horsham to get out of their own half using their kicking game. Hove had the upper hand in the scrums and were putting Horsham under the cosh. After winning a penalty on the right touchline, Hove opted for the scrum, Sam Whiting broke through the centres however the ball was lost in the contact and a good chance went begging.
After a Horsham breakout, a penalty was awarded in which they attempted a shot at goal, however it drifted wide. Hove continued to make good ground through Martin Macdonald and strong carries through the forwards. Time and time again however the offload was given out of the contact when a better option would have been to hold on and recycle the ball.
Coming into the final 5 minutes Hove were awarded a penalty for a high tackle, a kick to the corner was opted for however the lineout went astray. Horsham closed out the game before kicking to touch ending the game.
Hove can take a lot of credit from this defensive performance; however this was a game that was there for the taking. Hove need to be more clinical in opposition territory in order to turn sustained pressure into reward on the scoreboard.
Hove currently sit 9th in London 2 SW on 25 points two behind Old Colfeians and 7 in front of Crowborough.
Hove: Wallace, Peake, Shergold, Chapman, William, Ward, Henry, Robinson, Biggs, Dugard, Walker, Flavell, Macdonald, Patton, Whiting(c) Subs: Maguire, Griffin, Bhimji.