Ken Nichols Cup Report

Steyning Rugby arrived at the Ken Nicholls cup with intrigue and unknown; a very different squad to the one that won the previous iteration of the tournament. With new players to the team, and to rugby, we didn't quite know what we as a team would look like. This was our first competitive playing since March and we were excited!

Horsham. As you can imagine, a team without any rugby under their belts were slightly rusty and there were a few mistakes - a missed pass that flew over the receivers head denying a certain score; a dropped ball with open space to the try line. However, Steyning rallied after Horsham scored a powerful try after storming runs through the midfield. 0-7. With excellent slick hands, Andre Syred scored underneath the posts to enable captain Pete Carter to equalise with the last kick of the game. 7-7 and the draw.

Shoreham. Playing the local neighbours is always a fun occasion! Shoreham kicked off deep and Steyning attacked with guile and vigour scoring a superb try through Charlie Lawrence Fuller (Showers) and converted to take an early lead. Shoreham hit back with a try scored through powerful running and excellent, controlled phase play. Steyning maintained a high energy attack with running phases from deep and comfortably secured the game with some fantastic tries with excellent footwork from Harry and a demolishing run from coach Nath. As quoted from the WhatsApp group updated by the most handsome water bottle carrier Richard 'Nutter' Addy: Getting tired of walking water on... Pete for a magnificent try and convert (hero). 24-7 and a win.

St. Francis. As niggles and fatigue had taken their toll during the day, Steyning approached the final game against St. Francis with a bare 15. St. Francis were a tough, organised group with big ball carriers across their team. Through quick phase play, St. Francis quickly went two tries up.. Steyning rallied and pulled a score back through the nimble footwork (and lucky bounce) of Alex Bishop. However, St. Francis held strong despite thee resurgence and scored one final, excellent try to secure the game. 15-5 a loss. The hat-trick of results for the day!

Steyning's player(s) of the tournament were the dynamic duo - Charlie Lawrence Fuller and Andre Syred. Both the captain and vice captain thought they had fantastic tournaments despite playing out of position. Well done, fellas.

We would like to thank St. Francis for hosting such a brilliant event the food and hospitality were excellent and we thank you. The rugby was played in the best fashion with hard tackles and smooth running. Congratulations to Hove for being the overall winners of the tournament. We would like to wish all the participating teams the best of luck for their season's ahead.