Fullerians began 2015 by beating Horsham 19-10 in the Senior Vase on Saturday.

In the early stages Fullers put pressure on the Horsham pack at the lineout only for the pass to go wayward. The subsequent scrum saw Fullers get on top for the ball to be shipped wide for winger Tom Williams to score. Craig Duncan added the extras.

Horsham began to string some phases together and were rewarded for their efforts when the home side was caught offside, making it 7-3 with a penalty.

Fullers then took the initiative and caught out a sleeping Horsham backline where fly-half Luc Jacobs chipped over the defence for Williams to score his second of the match after outpacing the covering defence. Duncan converted for a 14-3 lead.

Horsham dug deep and were rewarded for their efforts with a well-worked try under the posts just before the break to reduce the deficit to 14-10.

In the second half it was the visitors who took the initiative into the wind. Fullers’ defence held firm and denied Horsham any space, with good tackling by the home side preventing any further scores.

Fullers kicked for territory and it was the pack who stamped their authority on the game after some simple picking and driving, with prop Matt Bushell on hand to finish.

Horsham continued to pressure the Fullers line in the latter stages but the defence held firm to win a tough match and progress to the next round.

Fullers coach Rich Hoskins said: “It was a good squad performance against a very good Horsham team who will do undoubtedly well in their league. I think we played the conditions very well and were clinical when it mattered.”