Dominant first-half display sees Horsham win in Sussex derby

The Green and Whites edged what they had been told was a ‘must-win’ clash 10-3.

Horsham were dominant in the first half and scored tries through Dan Crook and Michael Tredgett.

Following several minutes of territory in the opposition 22 the pressure finally told after 22 minutes when Crook scored from a charge down.

On 34 minutes, good pressure resulted in a line out drive from which Tredgett scored.

Crowborough came back in the second half but a superb defensive effort from Horsham, despite being down to 14 men, prevented their line being crossed.

Horsham’s Nick Stocker was impressed with his side’s performance after a humbling defeat against Charlton Park last time out.

With the head coach they didn’t get full credit deserved from all camps.

He said: “You read Crowborough’s website report and they say we scored against the run of play. We were utterly dominant, and should have been further ahead. I asked the guys to show a display of character that had gone missing last game, and they certainly did.”

This weekend sees Horsham take on fourth-placed Dartfordians away, and boss Stocker believes his side can spring a surprise.

He added: “They’ve had a good season this season, but we have the chance to create an upset.”

Stocker also wanted to pass on his best wishes to injured player Johnny Ordridge.

“It looked like a dislocated shoulder, but it’s a soft tissue injury,” he revealed.

“He’s going to be out for a number of weeks and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

Horsham: N.Bell, Grantham-Hill, Barber, Goward, R.Tredgett, Smith, O’Rahilly, M.Tredgett, Steggles, T.Johnson, Crook, Price, W.Johnson, J.Bell, W.Bell. Subs: Carvell, Pirt, Whiting.