29th Mar 2008 - London SE4 League Beccehamian 12 - Horsham 19 On a miserable rain and wind swept day in Sussex Beccs simply didn’t function as well as their hosts who through sheer determination ran out winners by one score. Beccs opened the scoring on 10 mins very much against the run of play which against the elements and what seemed like up a slope (I am sure it was a flat pitch!). On Bs own 22 fly half Hooke threw out a long miss pass to Jim Bryan playing at 13, with the ball like a bar of soap the pass skidded off the deck and was smartly picked up by Bryan who fed full back H who fed Neil Paige on the wing whilst just about on the gain line and still in their own 22. Paige left his opposite number and full back (who were pretty quick) clasping at thin air as he weaved his way fully 75 yards to score under the posts, converted by Bryan, 7-0. The rest of the half was pretty much one way traffic, the conditions dictated that both sides gave away possession following many handling errors. On 20 minutes from a lineout 10 yards from the Bs line Horsham secured their own ball and rumbled over the line. Horsham wanting to make the most of the elements in their favour pressed and pressed for the remained of the half. Beccs had made a pretty good effort to keep them out but just 2 minutes before half time Horsham scored a vital coverted try to give them the lead at the break. With all the pressure and territory they had the only surprise was that is wasn’t anymore than 7-12. Ultimately Horsham secured the win 20 minutes from time when a line-out 10 yards out from the Bs line was taken, the jumper’s feet touched the floor and with no one around the player, Bs flanker Spurgeon made a great man on man tackle. The referee deemed it was taking the man out as a maul had formed and awarded a penalty try. If it were serious enough to warrant a penalty try why not a yellow card for either a professional foul or dangerous play ?? Bs had a wake up call, scrum half Karl Quinn gave them some hope of a fightback sniping in for a try 6 minutes from time but Horsham held out for a much needed 2 points much to the delight of the rain soaked crowd. On the evidence of this game Horsham are not a bottom of the table side, Bs were off colour & Horsham simply wanted it more. Other than the top two anyone is capable of beating anyone on their day as has been a familiar pattern in London SE4 this season. Beccs final league game of the season is a home local derby against Bromley on Saturday 12th April.