Disappointing end to a fantastic season as Havant lose to Horsham

The Last league game of the season, with nothing to play for except a reputation as champions. So, we thought when travelling to Horsham, who, were already relegated? But alas the league situation meant that a win for Horsham and results elsewhere would keep them at level 5. So, everything to play for, for the men in green.
A few enforced changes to the squad after the rough and tumble of Marlborough two weeks previous, saw Wes Dugan start at scrumhalf and also a bench position for flying wing Chris Buckett.
Horsham certainly started the better with the following strong wind they put heavy pressure on the Havant defence, which for the most part kept them out. It was Horsham who scored first out wide on the wing with the conversion missed they had an early lead 5-0 with thirteen minutes gone. Havant reply took another ten minutes although there were several excursions into the Horsham half that could have resulted in earlier points for the men in blue and white hoops. Finally, a well worked move at the lineout saw Will Owen on the end of the rolling maul Havant were in front after Joel Knight's cracking conversion into the wind.
Horsham regained the lead with a penalty making the score 8-7 but that was short lived as Will Owen scored his 2nd showing Havant's power in the forwards. Havant 8-14 up going into extra time with the clock.
There was just time for Horsham to score again making it a one-point game going into the break.

Half-time Horsham 13 Havant 14

Havant stretched their lead further with an excellent line from Chris Buckett, who made the space and finished off well. Havant led 13-19, but still Horsham came forward, disrupting our normal lines of play and our forwards were not rewarded for their efforts from the referee at the breakdown. Fair play to Horsham they kept coming. The wind had seemed to have died down and the rain made the conditions tricky.
Horsham were to enjoy most of the play from the 50th minute, scoring another well worked try, the crowd sensed an upset a point in it at 18-19 to Havant.
Who would make the mistake?
With a couple of chances going begging for both sides, Horsham won a penalty within kicking distance with the clock showing 77 minutes. Converted, the crowd went wild, although the faithful who outnumbered the home crowd groaned. There was late drama when a blistering run from James Wise was halted, the end of the game came soon after and league season. A game not to remember for many reasons but a big shout out to Horsham who made life difficult for Havant from the off.

Full-time Horsham 21 Havant 19

Will Knight's thoughts on the game
"Not quite the last game we hoped for but a huge congratulations to Horsham they had everything to fight for and did that right to the end. I think for us it was a little bit of ‘after the Lord Mayor’s show’. We know if you come to a game in this league with that attitude you are likely to get punished. Putting that to one side, what a season and a huge congratulations to everyone involved. Two teams of three promoted as champions and the Dolphins 3rd with all the challenges that being a 2nd team brings of always being subject to last minute call ups to the 1s! I really could not be prouder."