We Didn’t Start The Fire

It was an evening of firsts for both clubs on and off the pitch – a first home league game under lights for Horsham and a first visit to Coolhurst for the Old Boys. The hosts were promoted to London 1 South as L2SE / L2SW play-off winners in 2018-19 and enjoyed a quietly impressive debut season at Level 6 concluding their campaign with a record of W11 L11 and a 7th place finish, two above King’s. This time around has proved a little stickier to date – W2 D1 L5 – and the Sussex side were awaiting a victory at home having been dashed last time out, the scores tied at 32-32 when the gong sounded against Cobham. With an extensive coaching team including ex-London Irish and Saracens prop Adam Halsey (Lead Coach) as well as Harlequins’ fullback Ross Chisholm (Performance Coach), King’s knew that their hosts would be nothing if not well prepared and no doubt motivated by a large crowd.

In terms of personnel King’s were forced to shuffle the pack a little for the encounter – Felix Griffin pushed forward into the second row, James Shaw returning on the flank for his first start since round five. In the three-quarters Will Slater made his season bow at scrum-half having twice come off the bench, whilst club captain George Taylor took his place amongst the substitutes after three weeks away. The man with the whistle was SE Federation referee Paul Shepperd and twenty minutes after the advertised ko time, at 1950 the action commenced.

The early jousting elicited little more than a handful of penalties shared in broadly equal numbers, Chris du Toit the first to really catch the eye with the first of several energetic bursts. Within six minutes King’s were compelled to make a change, Matt Young off with Matt Buxton-Smith into the fray sooner than he would have expected. Horsham were determined to find a way through, but were met with spirited resistance, King’s forcing mistakes time and again with patient defence. The physical nature of the contest continued unabated, King’s reduced for 14 after fourteen minutes for what was adjudged a tip-tackle, Horsham opting for three off the tee; 3-0. Regrettably for the hosts they were to lose free-scoring winger Declan Nwachukwu to injury soon after, undoubtedly a blow to the home side with a potent strike weapon confined to the sideline.

After the tight and somewhat cagey opening quarter the game briefly threatened to open up, a speculative kick from the hosts returned for a net loss of 50m as Ellis Hook hot-stepped his way into the Horsham 22 before being caught. Whilst the players continued to tear into each other with vigour, there was little meaningful to report – du Toit nearly got away again but was hauled down just as he threatened to break the deadlock. As it transpired next blood was to go to the hosts though, a 45m penalty stroked over confidently by fly-half Oli Chennell; 6-0. King’s had their chances in the time remaining, George Taylor (on for an injured McFarlane; prop Brett Williams replacing Funmi Oduniyi not much later) prodding a kick through for winger Hook but it wasn’t to be. Moments later Hook and Charlie Dockery combined to allow the latter to cut free, but he too was denied and with that time was called.

HT: 6-0

Whatever was said at the break worked since King’s flew out the blocks putting the hosts on their collective back feet. When a penalty was conceded for holding on George Jones, Horsham’s pick for MOM, tapped and didn’t hesitate when passing to loosehead Benoit Israel who was not phased by the 30m sprint to the line; 6-5. The momentum was firmly with the visitors, Chris du Toit terrorising his opposite man as he had done 6 days previous against London Cornish, his charge creating sufficient chaos to allow Nick Gardner to slip over and give his side the lead; 6-10. With Horsham reeling King’s sought a third score, Israel coming close once more as did Felix Griffin and Sam Young but enthusiasm was not matched by execution. Regrettably skipper Gardner’s day was over not much later, Calum Young to hooker with Matt Young reluctantly pressed back into action.

The reshuffle didn’t weaken the visitors, penalties flowing in favour of King’s as the defence scrambled with increasing nervousness. After kicking to the corner the industrious Israel surged close, Buxton-Smith closer again before Calum Young secured the crucial inches. This time fly-half Jones was on target with the extras; 6-17. As the supporters urged their favourites on, Horsham redoubled their efforts, No.8 & MOM Michael Tredgett to the fore, dashed once by a turnover in the shadow of King’s posts and five minutes from later a penalty on the 10m line which fell short and wide. Still they came and one more chance presented but King’s remained defiant to the last at close-quarters and out wide, George Taylor chasing down centre Oli Joels who looked home and dry having snatched an interception. With that King’s were able to run down the clock before earning a penalty, kicked to touch to signal the end.

FT: 6-17

Whilst not the showcase of running rugby that both teams and their followers might have wished for, the game did not lack for intensity or endeavour. Horsham were disappointed to be left empty handed and may perhaps reflect on some aspects of their game management, but their young side showed glimpses of what they’re capable of and plenty of promise. King’s for their part may rue not finding a way to score a fourth try and secure a BP with the backs frequently breaking the line without converting, but any away win is a good one and this was no exception. Horsham were genial hosts and their facilities lent themselves brilliantly to the Friday night arrangements – we shall look forward to returning the hospitality in February.

The next challenge comes in the form of near(ish) neighbours Cobham who will make the short trip up the A3 on Friday for King’s first, home, evening match of the season. Two years ago this fixture was beset by the filthiest of weather and a low scoring affair was shaded by the Surrey side 12-16. After winning just one of their first five, Cobham have begun to find their rhythm and a win, draw and two defeats since – one by just a single point – suggests perhaps they have turned a corner, indeed last week they led high-flying Camberley 23-5 before finally going down 30-39. Kick-off is 1930 and with the balcony now available for spectators it would be great to see it well used – a bonus point win would see King’s up to an all-time high 3rd place, your support might just help it happen.