Worthing U18 XV 24 Hurstpierpoint U18 XV 17

Beautiful surroundings and a pleasant day the setting for the Daily Mail round 2 cup match. Worthing fresh from a substantial educational experience last week were keen to get right back on the horse, and so they did.



The game was hotly contested from start to finish and probably should have been over as a contest long before its official conclusion. Hurst went in front with a well struck penalty (an idea not o give the chap too many opportunities with the boot then?) but Worthing went hard and scored a controversial try in the corner with Green (ball in the wrong hand but a good finish all the same).



Hurst penaltied back taking it out to 6-5. Lyons went over for the second Worthing score in the corner, unfortunately unable to convert, 10-6 Worthing at the half.



Penalty back Hurst, 10-9 Worthing and all to play for. Parker scored a cheeky try down the blind side and Lyons converted from near the touch line and all seemed well with the world at 17-9. But that would not be consistent with the way this group of players get things done. So with a charitable turn Worthing went on a penalty committing spree and were lucky to keep players on the field and out of the bin. Then disaster for the visiting side as an exceptional try was scored by the Hurst centre beating a number of players and dotting in the corner fortunately not converted. 17-17 and all to play for in the last 6mins.



Worthing struggled in the line out and could not put phasers together owing to mistakes at the breakdown, where a penalty against was the norm. So concerted pressure was never obtained therefore closing the game out became impossible. Hurst were a threat in broken play and counter attacked well on a number of occasions leaving hearts pounding a little harder than desired on the touchline. Eventually Worthing got a driving maul on the go making meters into opposition 22. From there confidence gained and a driving maul from open play created the scoring opportunity for Wigzell and the important conversion by Lyons went over. Breathing space for the last 4mins however Worthing still couldn’t get the two score lead.



Holding on Worthing managed to take it out 24-17, plenty more to work on but round 3 and still in the hat.



Effort 6/10, skill 6/10, four trys and some good inter-play in periods.