Lions are edged out in Bob Rogers Cup final
Horsham Lions lost 19-20 to Crowborough ones in a hardfought Bob Rogers Cup final at Worthing RFC, with the result in doubt up until the end, writes Richard Ordidge.
The Lions clawed back a 0-15 deficit and with momentum having swung in favour of the Green and Whites as the second half went on they had the chance to win it in the final minute – but a Ryu Fung penalty sailed narrowly wide. This is the premier men's cup competition in Sussex, a trophy that’s become Horsham's personal property over the past ten years or so thanks to the 1st XV as they climbed the leagues.
The 1st XV are no longer eligible to compete so the Lions were carrying the torch. Their
journey to the final included a 31-20 home win against East Grinstead 1sts and an incredible 12-46 win at Haywards
Heath in the semi-final. Horsham’s try scorers were Charlie Lewis, Jack Thompson and Tom Sanders with
Fung slotting two conversions.
Horsham Head Coach Nick Stocker said: “I’m proud of the way the lads played against a good outfit who are organised and well coached.
"Although facets of the game didn’t work as we’d have liked, the spirit and fight was evident in a fierce fightback led by a number of the younger players including recent, colt Jake Lovett, scrum half Ellis Beynon who has made his senior debut this year, and of course current colt Tom Sanders who looks to be a very exciting prospect and capped of a fine performance with a try.
"Given the age profile of the whole squad and the experience gained this season, it bodes well for the future. “With discussion underway as to whether a Counties 1 Sussex league should be formed, and some clubs’ second XVs being allowed to enter, the competitive nature of the game gave the best advert in support of this. Over the course of the season, our boys have played Eastbourne, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath and now Crowborough.
"We now face a welldeserved break until the awards night to formally celebrate the season’s achievements. Behind the scenes planning is already under way for next season but for the players, the opportunity to rest will be well received.”