Worthing 51- BHASVIC 5

Worthing made a comprehensive winning start to their 2010 campaign. 24 players got pitch time showing good skills and high levels of fitness in the cold wet and windy conditions at the home of Worthing College Rugby ‘Worthing Leisure Centre’. Staying off the pitch during the inclement weather conditions of the past few weeks had allowed the game to go ahead although standing water was evident in some of the more horizontally challenged parts of the field.

 

Nevertheless come 2pm chocks away, stick it in the mixer, up the anti, pass out the ammunition lets go to war its ‘Game On’. Early signs were good with the players dismissing the rain from mind and even if temperatures were low the skill level was high. Worthing heated up the chilly proceedings very early in the match with excellent running lines, quick ball and offloading that even the best of professional players would have been proud of. While the opposition were putting up an excellent defensive display there are only so many tackles that can be made before it T-R-Y time. All of a sudden the flood gates were open and Worthing hit for a 5pointer, Hills must have spent a few notes on the kicking boots because they were top of the range, he hit all but one of his shots in the worst of kicking conditions. At one stage a delusional member of the crowd suggested he was as good as me. Come on people, this is the non-fiction section, www.really?.com is where that supporter needs to visit, but thanks for attending though.

 

Onwards and wave after wave bashed crashed and penetrated the defensive line of the visitors with all players playing their part in keeping the massed onlookers happy at missing ‘Doctors’ ‘Bargain Hunt’ and ‘Cash in the Attic’. BHASVIC were manful in their efforts and managed to score mid way through the half after a slight misunderstanding between the Worthing back three (Nice Kick Bobbiieeee!). This was the lowest point of the entire day for the home team but not for Conroy-Smith as the entire team patted him on the back and told him to forget the mistake, nothing better for trying to forget than everyone reminding you.

 

A few changes at the half for the home side and sure as bears utilise the great outdoors for number twos the game went on with the visitors playing some good rugby with ball in hand. Unfortunately missing some of their more influential players meaning anything near respectability would suffice in the second instalment. Although the score line would not tell that story the on field efforts need mentioning in a positive light as rain, mud, puddles and a completely dominant opposition could not break their spirits. Worthing continued where they had left off the first period and new players trying to make a mark on proceedings showed the depth of talent throughout the playing group.

 

More tries, kicks and tackles followed Worthing getting the better of most confrontations and collisions. Eventually this took its toll with the visitors going down to 14 players having no bench the injury finally taking the determined 13 off after playing hurt for 30mins (man points). The extra man the home side now enjoyed made the defensive task even greater culminating with Dowglass crossing the line after some very good play by the entire side. It was fitting that MOM Hills nudged the extras and the Referee called Neither Side early.

 

The 6 week gap between games was worth the wait as an indifferent training week was completed with a strong performance. It is apparent that there is still work to be done if this group of players are to reach the standards some already believe themselves to achieved. Winning is a habit and a good one, some one has to come first so why not us, but that does not happen at the expense of manners, humility and endeavour, areas at this stage I am unsure we fully appreciate as a squad…. I may be wrong?

 

A big week to come with a possible county cup ¼ final being the next game, I think a few players have forcefully thrown their hats in to the ring, so good on you.