Worthing College IXV 17 v Filton IXV 37 (H)

Worthing College were beaten by a strong Filton side in yesterday’s British Colleges Elite Cup Semi Final. Playing conditions were far from ideal as the heavy rain had resulted in the pitch becoming very heavy and a strong coastal wind affected the game throughout. Filton started strongly with a period of sustained possession in the Worthing half; the Worthing defence was over eager during the early exchanges and gave away a number of soft penalties. Filton punished these mistakes with field possession which after a number of phases resulted in Filton scoring from close range 0-5. From the kick off Worthing responded physically turning possession over in midfield and after a number of phases Worthing were themselves awarded a penalty which was kicked to the corner for the Worthing forwards. From the lineout the catch and drive was direct and powerful resulting in Worthing’s first try scored by Tom Walker, the kick was missed 5-5.

 

Worthing now started to believe they could compete against a team of Filton’s national standard and started to play as they are capable of doing. The Worthing forwards and backs combined well and despite difficult conditions some fantastic levels of skill were on display. However Worthing were guilty of playing too much rugby in the wrong areas where with a strong wind at their backs and a dominant lineout the deep kick to turn the opposition back three would have put the visitors under significant pressure. The Filton back row were combining well and contesting possession with power and skill, from a turnover at the breakdown the excellent Filton 10 saw an opportunity to attack from turnover ball and this resulted in Filton’s second try. The kick was again missed 5-10. Worthing then responded with their best period of play in the whole match which really tested the visitors. Worthing ran directly and increased their intensity at the breakdown and as a result gained great field position. The Filton defence was tested again and again and this pressure resulted in an attacking lineout which from a well worked move Steve Brown went over the line to level the score, Jack Metters converted the kick 12-10.

 

Worthing continued their period of pressure and high tempo rugby and with Josh Mills and Jack Metters combining well at half back the Worthing attack was looking dangerous. Shortly before half time the Filton 7 was yellow carded for persistent infringements and despite having a number of great scoring opportunities in the final few minutes of the first half the score would remain at 12-10 at half time.

 

The second half started with Filton playing with a great deal of control and building territory. This territorial advantage would build pressure on the Worthing defence that would eventually be the difference between the two sides. As the Worthing defence tired the strong Filton runners started to have a bigger impact on the game which freed up space and quality possession for the very talented Filton backline. Filton scored four high quality try’s in the second half outscoring Worthing four try’s to one (Sam Pitchford). Filton now advance to the Elite Cup Final and we wish them well for the remainder of their season.

 

The result was a fair reflection of the standard of both teams and Worthing can be more than proud of their efforts. We hope to be rested, repaired and at full strength for the forthcoming home League Play Off Semi Final v Hartpury on April 21 (KO at 1415).