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SHOREHAM Rugby Club bounced back from their defeat at Horsham 2nd the week previously to put eight tries on Pulborough 2nd on Saturday.

The win gained a measure of revenge on Pulborough, who defeated them earlier in the season and moved Shoreham to within two points of second-placed Horsham, who lost 24-20 at Haywards Heath 4th.

Before the game, Shoreham spoke about starting the game with a high-tempo, having conceded the first try in several games so far this season. Despite an early injury to Alex Bird, Shoreham, with the wind behind them, were on top in the first half.

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Substitute Phil Jones and Trevor Leeding led an early Shoreham charge. Alex Aspinall, Russell Brown and Gav Cox were then all involved before Gareth Horton touched down beneath the posts.

Sam Eaves added a second soon afterwards before Aspinall shrugged off a challenge also to get on the scoresheet.

Not even halfway through the first half, Shoreham got their fourth try when Cox went over, following a strong run by Eaves.

Pulborough's only outlet was to kick deep, into the arms of Barry Trimm, who, in turn, ran at the opposition and did everything but score in the first half.

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Captain Brown and Cox also touched down before half-time and Pulborough were all but killed off.

With the wind and slight slope against them, Shoreham wanted to get the first score of the second half. This they managed when Trimm wriggled through to score.

Pulborough hit back with two unconverted tries but there was still time for Shoreham to add an eighth try when Eaves got his second.

Trimm just edged out Eaves for the man of the match award as Shoreham ruefully looked back on their defeats to Pulborough and fifth-placed St Francis earlier in the season. Victories in both those games would have Shoreham sitting comfortably in second, not third, place.

SHOREHAM: Chapman, Byrne, Bean, Nelson, Leeding, Horton, Hodges, Eaves, Aspinall, Brown, Garner, Bird, Cox, Brand, Trimm. Sub: Jones.

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