MATCH REPORT: HORDE SQUEEZE PAST HOSTS WINDSOR

THE Horde recorded a second-straight Thames Valley Invitation League victory with a hard-fought 29-19 triumph at Windsor 3rd XV.

Champing at the bit after several cancelled fixtures over the past few weeks, Rams headed to east Berkshire on a beautifully sunny Super Saturday with any thoughts of Dublin’s Six Nations Grand Slam decider pushed aside as the teams warmed up under the walls of Windsor castle.

Dominant possession in the early phases through heavy carries from the pack and sniping runs from the backs gave the visitors strong territorial gains, but didn’t trouble Windsor on the scoreboard.

Indeed it was the home side who struck the first blow, drawing a penalty in Rams’ 22 and opting to scrum powerfully before squeezing down the blindside for a converted try.

Seven minutes later, though, the Horde replied with a well-worked try of their own and tied the scores.

Rams continued to dominate territory and possession and soon Windsor found themselves further behind to a second converted try.

More continuous pressure forced the hosts to concede penalties and in frustration, the referee eventually issued a yellow card – the Horde taking full advantage and scoring again in the dying moments of the first period to lead 19-7.

The half-time team-talk from the visiting management was to ‘just win the second half’, but that was a task easier said than done as Windsor’s impressive – both ability and numerically – bench looked sharper after the break.

The deficit was cut when the home side’s young second row ran in from 40 metres out, and while the Horde continued to try and pin their opponents back with some long, searching kicks, another home try made it a two-point game.

Nerves began to jangle as both sides sought the final blow, but strong defensive work from the Horde kept Windsor at arm’s length and finally a beautiful break ended in a try under the posts, the conversion settling the contest for a Rams side who maintain an outside chance of replicating the title triumphs of the Centaurs and Dragon’s Teeth.
The Horde are next due to visit Aldermastion 2nd XV on Saturday, April 1.