A Resilient Second-Half Comeback in the Mud at the Rec

The Hove U13s Reds returned from the Christmas break to face a well-drilled Horsham side in the Sussex Waterfall League. While the sky was clear and dry, the pitch at the Rec told a different story, it was incredibly soft, wet, and muddy, making for a physically demanding contest where ball handling was always going to be a challenge.

Horsham started with high energy, catching Hove slightly cold after the holidays. They drove over the try line twice within the first five minutes. However, the Reds didn't let their heads drop. As the boys adjusted to the slippery conditions, the game began to stabilize. Just before the half-time whistle, Freddie secured a vital try to get Hove on the board, leaving the score at 1-4 going into the break.

The second half saw a transformed Hove side. With fresh legs and renewed determination, the energy levels spiked. The forwards began to dominate the breakdown, and the team’s focus on core basics, securing rucks and running straight lines, paid off. Hugo was a powerhouse in the pack, eventually being driven over the line by his fellow forwards in a perfectly executed "Brown-Ball" move. Felix also made a huge impact, showing great strength with his hand-offs to drive deep into the Horsham half before eventually securing his first ever try for the club on second opportunity. 

In defense, Ali and Fergus were outstanding, consistently advancing on the ball carrier to shut down Horsham’s space. Arron provided strong forward carries, while Archie provided the moment of the match by accidentally "going for a swim" at the halfway line in the worst of the mud! Despite a final score of 4-6 in favour of the visitors, the second half was a balanced and triumphant display of Hove spirit.

Players of the Match:

• Hugo: Delivered a personal best performance. His consistent rucking and leadership in the forward pack were capped off with a well-deserved try.

• Oli: Making his debut as a reserve to cover injuries, Oli showed incredible toughness and teamwork. He carried the ball into contact with no fear and looks to be a fantastic addition to the squad.

Special mentions also go to Ben for a strong first game in a Reds shirt, and to Freddie for his clinical finishing. This match was a testament to the club's TREDS values; even when trailing, the boys lifted each other up and fought until the final whistle.

We would like to extend our thanks to Nick for refereeing so well in such difficult conditions, and to Horsham for a competitive and sporting match. We now look forward to our next fixture away at Edenbridge on Sunday, 11th February.