Fullerians 1st XV faced a very good team in Horsham in the Senior Vase. Horsham top of their league played Fullerians who were top of their league in a fiercely contested game.

In the early stages Fullers put pressure on the Horsham pack at the lineout only for the pass to go wayward in the dead ball line. The subsequent scrum saw Fullers get on top for the ball to be shipped wide for winger Tom Williams to score. Craig Duncan added the extras.

Horsham began to string some phases together and were rewarded for their efforts when the home side was caught offside. 7-3.

The game entered a kicking phase where both teams kicked for territory or look for the mistake to get field position. Fullers took the initiative and caught a sleeping Horsham backline where fly half Luc Jacobs chipped over the defence for Williams to score his second of the match after outpacing the covering defence. Duncan converted for a 14-3 score.

Horsham dug deep and were rewarded for their efforts with a well worked try under the posts just before the break 14-10 and all to play for.

In the second half Fullers made some changes but it was the visitors who took the initiative into the wind. Fullers defence held firm and denied Horsham any space and the slippery ball came into fruition after some great tackling by the home side.

Fullers kicked for territory and it was the pack who stamped their authority on the game after some simple picking and driving and the ruck. Prop Matt Bushell was on hand to finish a great spell of rugby by Fullers.

Horsham continued to pressure the Fullers line in the latter stages but the defence held firm to win a tough match and progress to the next round.

“It was a good squad performance against a very good Horsham team who will do undoubtedly well in their league. I think we played the conditions very well and were clinical when it mattered.” commented Fullerians head coach Rich Hoskins.

Team. Wetton ©, Horne (Mann 65), Barson (Bushell 40), Kerr, Perry (Boyd 40), Harvey, Head, Lye, Hancock (O’Brien 30), Jacobs, Meyers, Duncan, L. Mann, Williams, Heley.

Man of the Match: Williams