Worthing 2nd XV 17 Richmond 1st XV 42

On first glance this could take you back to the early 1980s and an excited Norwegian football commentator, ‘Peter Corrigan, Ben Coulson, Paul Cox your boys took one hell of a beating.’ Well not so a defeat yes a beating not so much. A strong Richmond side travelled to the Arena of Aspiration following a self imposed drop from the elite to performance league of the British Colleges structure. The south west London outfit having had a large overhaul of their rugby programme in the summer months but pleasingly no fall off in intensity, enthusiasm or athletic prowess.

These guys came to play with a large well organised pack that could take care of business at scrum and line out time, while the backs had gas to burn and scintillating ‘come dancing’ feet. Quite a challenge for the young Worthing side, made of predominantly freshmen with a sprinkling of seasoned club pros. One such performer was Simon Arnold who took the responsibility of leading the side and made an excellent fist of the job.

From the off the Worthing players huffed and puffed but couldn’t blow the Richmond house down, however their efforts were rewarded with two excellently struck Pegg penalties (this chap strikes a reasonable ball) and concerted pressure from the home side brought the best from the visitors. Unfortunately it only severed to wake a slumbering giant, Richmond realising it was on like Donkey Kong and hit back to draw the tie at 6 points each with their forwards making larger inroads into the Worthing defence.

As the half went on the home side continued to give as good as they got and put phases together in order to score. Dixon was making it difficult for the opposition halfbacks, Herron was running well with the ball gaining great support from Wright, Trencher, Arnold et al. The Worthing front row were having a torrid time in the scrum, but manned up a beaut never giving or asking quarter be given. Brightman kicked well from the base of the ruck, Pegg was kicking well for posts and managed to nothch another penalty before the half but was unable to convert the only Worthing try of the afternoon. The centre pairing of Maslen and Fastnedge defended admirably, there is plenty of talent there me thinks. Alas Worthing didn’t get enough of the ball to show the speed of the back 3 all of whom worked well off the ball and showed willing.

At the half changes were made and Worthing fell to a number of very good scores from the larger, more experienced visitors and couldn’t get back in contention. However there was no backing down and every player involved gave it their all. Leeming made a very impressive home debut stretching the opposition providing quick ball for the backs that couldn’t really get going owing to sound defending from the Richmond side. Wilson managed to strike a good penalty towards the end of the match and other than Herron having a try disallowed for a double movement that was all she wrote.

So on reflection, more building blocks laid, progress made and gauntlets thrown. A 8 out of 10 for stones with a 3.5 out of 10 for street smarts, but that’s okay by me. A long season ahead and I’m confident that many of these players will grace the 1st XV in the weeks and months to come. It’s true to say I could be quietly excited about the training, matches and season to come. A good effort chaps, see you tomorrow for training 12.55 sharpe, Lombardi time.