Horsham 14 Crawley 15
Over the years, games between Horsham and Crawley have generally been close with many draws. This was no exception with Crawley prevailing by the odd point. This was a typical local derby game with the incentive for each team to win all the greater, but the pressure of the occasion forcing mistakes from both sides.
Playing downhill, Crawley had Horsham on the back foot from the start and used the kick over the top repeatedly to gain territory. Horsham needed to tackle better than they had of late and did so, denying Crawley any real scoring chances. Crawley made numerous mistakes when in possession, conceding several scrums to Horsham only to then turn them over and keep the pressure on. This nearly paid off as a Crawley move finally made it over the try line only to be held up. Although Horsham were defending well with Greg Holt and Ben Davey putting in some fine tackles, they found it difficult to get their handling game going when in possession. Ironically it was Horsham's first real attack which led to the first Crawley score, having lost possession deep in the Crawley half, Crawley once again kicked over the top and the bounce ensured they were able to beat Horsham to the ball and sprint clear to score. Horsham replied almost immediately with Ed Mardle, Billy Twelvetrees and Lewis Townsend combining well to force a penalty which enabled Twelvetrees to score from close range and then convert to take the lead. Horsham's lead was equally fleeting as they then gave Crawley's pacy centre too much space and he easily outran the defence to score in the corner.
At only 10-7 down at half time having had so little possession, Horsham probably fancied their chances at half time however this time it was Crawley who defended well to deny Leon Quinnell a try. Crawley now made ground into the Horsham half and won a penalty for a high tackle which they capitalised on to lead 15-7. Now more than a converted score behind, Horsham found their form and secured plenty of possession with Ed Mardle and Chris Scruby making penetrating runs and eventually setting up Billy Twelvetrees to bring them within a point. Horsham finished the game on top but sound defence from Crawley denied them the scoring chance they needed.
Squad: Barber, Bell, Clarke, Davey, Davis, Gill, Goodman, Holt, Mardle, Miller, Neal, Ordidge, Quinnell, Rice, Scruby, Taylor, Townsend, Twelvetrees, Yeates