Rugby County Cup Semi Final Match Report - Coulson's Column

Worthing 1st XV 23 Worth 1st XV 8

Worthing travelled to Worth School for the County Cup Semi final a colossal battle of epic proportions was on the cards, this was Tyson v Hollyfield, United v City, Bolt v Gay, So pass out the ammunition lets go to war.

Worthing kicked off playing down hill with the slight advantage of the breeze, the home side fumbled the kick off and Worthing forced a penalty 30m out directly in front of the horns. 1min gone 3-0 Worthing.

Plenty of pressure was building in a tough encounter with each of the sides giving and asking no quarter. Worthing showed themselves to be ambitious and started building pressure in the Worth half.

Eventually this was to pay off with sweeping movement of the ball ending in Green’s hands , he then finished well in the corner. Pegg then added to his penalty with a conversion from the touch line.

No more points before the half and Worthing could have been wondering if they had done enough to finish the home side. Worth then began to build pressure of their own and managed to score a penalty and a try.

Worthing then scored a penalty from Pegg and Green added to his earlier effort with a well finished try after good team play towards the right side of the field.

Following this Worthing delivered a bit more of their ‘A’ game controlling the ball a little better than the opposition who were still throwing everything at their visitors. The Worthing defence was abrasive, purposeful and determined and this was evident during the 10min period when Luke was binned for being offside in the ‘Red Zone’. Valiant was the effort and a wall of red jerseys met and repelled every advance of the Worth side.

It was late in the game and Worthing looked like they were gaining more of the upper hand and even though the line out was not firing to its best, a well executed and directed catch and drive created the slightest of chances for Short. He dropped the hammer, showing the cleanest of clean pair of heals, storming down the left hand touch line. Charitably I’d say gassing the winger and the full back to cross the white line for the 5 pointer- ‘Get a Touch’ he deserved it.

Pegg was unable to get the extras but by this stage it was game over and all she wrote, start the coach we’re off to the final.

Stand out performances were varied and numerous. Peake and Mitchell gaining praise from the opposition coaching staff, Luke, Short and Roberts were dynamic and destructive in open play while Trencher and Patrick ran well with the ball (can I hear a ‘Suicide?’). The backs were solid if not spectacular, Maslen again growing in the role of 10, Keith having one of his best games for a while at 12. Fastnedge was dependable and carried well linking with Pegg, White and Green whom both ran strongly. Spring and Leeming made large contributions when they came on. The reserve players also had a great impact on the teams play, adding numbers to the Worthing cause and backing up the players on the field. Unfortunately Pumfrey, Pestridge, Birch, Bath, Leeding all played their part admirably.
A big thank you to those other players that aided and supported the team by filming and helping on the side line.

So in conclusion, plenty to work on, a 7 out of 10 performance, but I’m sure there is more to come, this side has yet to produce its best, I’m looking forwards to the day that that happens.

Benji