Stocker backs his champions to step up and causes some shocks

Horsham (green) v Old Dunstonians. JPCT. 21-03-15. Pic Steve Robards SUS-150323-151539001

A rampant display saw the Green and Whites touch down seven tries to seal their long-awaited championship.

It has been 20 years since they last won a promotion and it was done in style at Hammerpond Road against third placed Old Dunstonians.

In many people’s eyes, the champagne has been on ice for a while, but the Horsham camp had refused to get carried away in title talk too early.

Horsham (green) v Old Dunstonians. JPCT. 21-03-15. Pic Steve Robards SUS-150323-145726001

Saturday was their 19th win of the season - their only defeat came against second placed Dartfordians back in October - who to their credit have pushed Stocker’s side all the way.

But with promotion wrapped up at the start of the month, they have attained their highest league level in two centuries as champions with two league games to spare.

Stocker is aware it is a special moment in the club’s history and he has already pointed out his side are good enough to cause a few shocks next year in London 2.

He said: “We spoke a little earlier this season saying lets not set too many targets, I think as we progressed we realised we had the momentum.

Horsham (green) v Old Dunstonians. JPCT. 21-03-15. Pic Steve Robards SUS-150323-145703001

“We are delighted and you can see by the way the guys have responded and celebrated, it’s no doubt good news.

“I can tell you now for a fact this team is good enough to do well, very well next year. I can tell you now, with a fair wind and injury permitting and everything like that, we will cause a few shocks.

“In every shape and form you can see the standards this side has and all they have done is grown a little bit older, worked a little bit harder and grown a little more hungrier.”

The champions travel to Uckfield on Saturday, before their last league game at home to basement side Hastings & Bexhill the following week.

That is before trying to clinch the double in the Bob Rogers Sussex Cup final in May, Stocked added: “That’s what we are building for now. Go on to win the next two games, get the banners, get the fireworks that all come with it on the final day of the season here and then really focus for one of the biggest games of the season trying to complete the league and cup double.”