TOP-OF-THE-TABLE CLASH LOOMS

H&B swept aside Horsham with ease at William Parker on Saturday to confirm their billing as one of the favourites for promotion this season.

Riding high in second place in Sussex One after an unbeaten start, H&B proved too strong for third-placed Horsham and could have won by a much healthier total.

Assistant coach Rob Hamilton said: "We were in command throughout and should have won by more to be honest. The result was good but we were a bit annoyed that we didn't score more because we really should have put more past them."

Despite going into the game without captain Neil Redman, who was on holiday, and the injured George Cullingford, the home side were given an encouraging start when Morgan & Lamplugh Man of the Match Paul Sandeman, playing at fly-half, converted a penalty with only five minutes on the clock.

Soon after Roger Roberts went over to increase H&B's lead and with Sandeman successful with the conversion, the home side looked in complete control.

Debutant youngster Craig Burgess, who had only become eligible for selection after recently turning 18-years-old, performed impressively at scrum-half and mid-way through the first half kicked for Dave Milham to run on and score.

Horsham got back in the game with a converted try to make it 15-7 at half time. The scoreline flattered the visitors and H&B set about showing them so with a try straight after the restart from Andy Hitch which Sandeman again converted.

After Horsham had scored their second try Sandeman capped a great personal performance with a try which he converted himself before Milham rounded off the scoring for the home side with his second try of the match.

Horsham got a consolation near the end, but H&B always looked in control.

Hamilton is looking for a repeat performance against Sussex One leaders Uckfield at William Parker tomorrow (Saturday) in a game he says could ultimately decide the league title.

With both teams unbeaten so far this season, Hamilton thinks the two sides will be the ones battling it out for promotion at the end of the season.

"Although it's early in the season, I think the title chase is probably going to be a two horse race between ourselves and Uckfield," he said. "They are probably the best side other than ourselves and will be the ones challenging us for the title at the end.

"But if we play our usual game and do what we have been doing, I don't think we should have too many problems against them."

Redman and Cullingford are back in the line-up, but Seb Halligan (hamstring) and James Nicholls (concussion) are doubtful. Kick-off is 2.30pm.