Worthing 2ndXV 22 So

Worthing made the trip just inside the M25 to Strodes College (Founded 1704) for their ¼ final match against the bottle green team. On arrival Worthing took in some of the local surroundings before changing and donning game faces.

 

The referees pre game talk was substantial and should have been accompanied by an in flight meal alas no food but a game to be played.

 

Worthing started very well putting a number of phases together and the home side looked worried and a little surprised at the tenacity of the visiting side, smaller yet just as hungry for the win. With only a short period in the opposition 22 Worthing were rebutted by the larger pack and the opportunity was lost. Shortly after this the Strode’s backs made across the field form the set piece, the slide D worked well until a delicious back door offload from the attacking 13 (at this stage looking to be the class of the attacking field) and a good finish was added by the left wing, the kick was well converted. This was definitely a ‘Roe–sham-boe’ square in the gentlemen’s region as Worthing had made the early running, but suck it up they did and back to the attack they went, game back on.

 

The rest of the first half consisted of Worthing playing all of the rugby and Strode kicking away any possession they had through the cultured right boot of the 10, however this did mean that Conroy-Smith was able to counter attack (may be he could grow a kicking game?) with interest. The visitors used this as the catalyst to pour more and more pressure onto the home team at this stage playing off scraps but holding the lead. Jordan managed to slot a shot at the horns from inside the 22m after some more good work from the Worthing pack. 7-3 at the half and Worthing looking to take advantage of their technical if not tactical superiority.

 

At the break a step change in approach was called for in tightening up the play from the line out and pulling in more of the players form first phase. With just 5mins of the half gone the ideal chance to gain the initiative a line out on the home sides 22, catch and drive and Pitchford went over as a result of some excellent work from the pack. Metters added the extras Worthing taking a 10-7 lead.

 

Worthing played some very good rugby putting phases together but just letting the good work come undone at the minute. Wigzell and smart had their best games so far carrying well and dominating the scrum top work lads. Collins was consistent in the delivery of lineouts and the experience of Bush, Pitchford and Walsh was showing thorough. Cook continues his good work from the back row and Parker was starting to get the side going from the base of the breakdown.

 

Jordan was linking well with the centres well and making ground when given the chance, Metters, Fitzgerald and Hart and Frost before them closed down any attack from the home side keeping the tide flowing in the right direction. White Stirling and Lee were not in the game all of the time but when called upon they took care of business. In the same way that the forwards did with another excellent catch and drive expertly controlled and scored by Wigzell for his first Worthing 5 pointer.

 

The final nail in the Strode coffin was hammered in after a rampaging Walsh run and quick recycle, a great by Bush and gather by White finished the job. Matters hit the left upright with the conversion and it went over 22-7.

 

 

A good effort and a semi final to be played, well done to all involved.

 

 

 

 

 

Worthing College

Information Evenings

11th March 2010

1730 - 1930