A warm (ish) afternoon and with universities still on the longest Easter break ever recorded availability swelled to 26 (poor Mixie being told he was, unfortunately, surplus to requirements despite Jake Tennant pulling up lame in the warm-up).
So, to the game West to kick off with a slight breeze behind. West pinned Horden in their 22 for the first 5 minutes of the game.
Unfortunately, a rusty high tackle from J Baggs gave Horden the opportunity to clear their lines but not for long. Excellent work from Jacob Parker and Ben Briggs advanced West back into Horden’s 22. J Baggs barging over from a full 3 metres to gave West an early lead. Extras missed 5-0.
Though not washed your reporters’ notes seem a little unreadable for the next few phases of the game. Something along the lines of a massive collision in midfield between Rob T and half of Horden, Rob coming out on top!
West seemed reluctant to move the ball wide but when they eventually did Briggs scored out wide. Extras missed 10-0.
From the restart West forwards successfully drove the ball up the field, releasing Toddy into space offloading loading to Rob to run in West’s third try 15-0 (guess what extras missed).
Again, from the restart West forwards excellently offloading and driving up field saw Barker make a break but ran out of steam short of the line. West quickly recycled Will Corbett on the end of a crisp Parker pass and crashes over 20-0 (you guessed it).
Every time West moved the ball out wide, they looked to have the upper hand Horden, and this was this case for Briggsy’s final try 25-0.
Hat-trick complete in first half well done young man.
Again, West move ball wide from set piece a great pick up off his toes saw Zac move ball into space and send over Rob T for his second and for extras added for the first time 32-0.
Despite being on top, especially in open play, it goes without saying that Horden are never beat and never give up. As series of penalties in West 22 allowed Horden to rumble forward. Lack of discipline ultimately letting Horden in for a concerted try.
Half time 32-7
Horden restart the second half with a kick straight to Callum Treager. The young prop cleanly catching the ball and a driving run sees West back into Horden’s half. Callum’s effort was undone by the experienced Alex Barker attempting a grubber through the Horden defence from the ruck.
Much like his previous kicking efforts (see Horden v West 2’s match report) the kick didn’t go to plan. Horden clear ball down field!
Barker did make up for his error breaking from a scrum to set young Matty Baggs away.
Some stuff happened scrums, lineouts, knock-ons from the back etc.
From one such incident it was noted that Mark Lund went in for a classic wingers try, extras added 39-7.
From kick-off Spud this time take clean catch and drives up field before offloading to Zac, then to Rob and eventually to Matty Baggs who after a couple of outrageous dummies ran in from the halfway line. Champagne stuff, extras added 46-7.
Horden responded with a converted try set-up by forwards running hard at West defence despite tiring legs, extras added 46-14.
Additional tries from West added by Matty Baggs running a second from 40 metres and Will Corbett steaming over from 30 metres, taking score to 60-14.
It was Horden, however who would have the last word scoring with the final move of the game. 60-21
West young side, supported by a few older heads, continue to grow and see improvements week on week.
Final score 60-21.
Well done to Horden, who despite being much changed from our recent visit never gave up.
One last push against Berwick next week and a summer break. (Apart from the Pyman Cup the week after 
)
)MOM: Ben Briggs, 1st half hat-trick and willingness to help Horden out when they ran out of backs.
Unfortunately, customary jug after hat-trick not purchased!
Starting XV:
Briggs, Lund, Thorn, Toddy, Painter(J), Zac, Parker(J), JAngus, Godders, Sobo, Corbett(W), O’Keefe, Glyn, Baggs(J), Barker
Subs (all used): Scott, Baggs(B), Baggs(M), Quinny, Larkin, Charlie K, Charlie C, Mould, Callum, Spud, Craggs
Food: Not Pie and Peas (disappointing)