Richmond 8 Worthing 35

Rich ‘wheeert?’ indeed. That was the question on a snowy Wednesday afternoon near rugby HQ, Twickenham. With the match being in doubt right up to the KO it was great news to see the game going ahead and Worthing did not take long to get into their stride scoring a good try through Brown from a Metters cross field kick.

 

The accuracy of play, focus and determination seemingly a result of the robust training attitude carried through the week and it showed from start to finish. The good beginning continued with the Worthing side stretching the Richmond defence across the field with the visiting forwards making ground with every carry and Mills and Metters controlling the cattle well into attacking positions as all farmers do.

 

The scrum again was an area of strength allowing the impressive Lowe to break strongly into the midfield on a number of occasions and create many of the attacking opportunities. One of these was clinically finished in the corner by Clare, showing speed and determination getting to the line before the covering defence.

 

Metters was having a strong influence on the game as were the forwards dominating lineout ball, scrum and the ruck area where the referee was not always consistent. The conditions were being played more effectively by the Worthing pack making meters from driving line out and producing excellent ball from the scrum unfortunately the backs were not able to make the most of the superior ball owing to the cold and snow.

 

On to the second half it was clear that Worthing were to get going as they had in the first half and poured pressure onto the changed Richmond line up. Tactical kicking of an intelligent nature consistently pushed back the home side realising the third kick is the one that kills you. More concerted pressure from the Worthing side allowed scoring opportunities and with Metters kicking penalties the score continued to build. The home side began to lose their composure, Worthing managed theirs and in so doing the referee whom binned the Richmond second row mid way through the half.

 

This was again the catalyst for scoring and the lead was extended all the way until the end of the match. Richmond did score a consolation try to add to their earlier penalty but it was the visitors that brought home the bacon missing out on three other trys being held up over the line in the latter stages of the game.

Big performances from all concerned, Lowe, Walsh and Pitchford carried well, Bush and Harcus turned ball over and the half backs managed to get the ball into advantageous parts of the field. The back three was solid playing in behind the strong defensive effort of the mid field trio, all of which leading to the final score of the 35-8 in Worthing’s favour.

 

So a distance travelled, one week on from ‘Dark Wednesday’ two good performances from the Worthing sides. Truth, endeavour and responsibility all key in a revival of standards in a week that has lowered mistakes and raised expectations, blame has no place and mediocrity no mates at the core of proceedings. A good end to the term and well done to all of the players for a strong week’s efforts long may this change continue.