Hove U12 girls welcomed Horsham to the Rec, for their first home game of the season

After a restful Christmas break, Hove U12 girls welcomed Horsham to the Rec, for their first home game of the season. Despite the chill in the air, the maroon and blues were pumped up and ready for the match. A strong opening defensive effort was not quite enough to stop Horsham scoring the opening try, but some swift hands put Emma into space, which was all she needed to display her blistering pace and tie the scores (her first try of the season). The first half ebbed and flowed, with the effectiveness of the powerful Horsham runners equalled by superb ruck technique from Cordelia and Amelie. Despite their best efforts, Hove went into the break 20-15 down.

Co-captains Poppy P, Amelie and Cordelia rallied the team at half time, with words of motivation and advice, and Hove immediately started the second half with a try from Joslin to tie the game up again. Despite some strong physical work from Poppy L and Skye, two more tries from Horsham made the score 20-30. However, the Hove girls refused to quit, and superb tries from Aggie, Poppy L and Joslin turned the game on its head!

Despite a brave defensive effort, a late try from Horsham left the final score 35-35. The determination and resilience shown by the Hove girls was fantastic; they never stopped working and the draw was the least they deserved. Special mentions for Aggie and Joslin (voted by Horsham as Hove’s players of the day), and Amelie, who was voted best communicator by her teammates. Joslin’s second hat-trick in two games was particularly impressive. The girls move on to face Burgess Hill next - UTH!