Hallsy's Weekly Look Around the Academy

At the halfway stage of the England Colleges' Premier National League season the Men's Football Performance Programme 1st XI are still top by two points with a game in hand after a hard fought 2-0 win away at AFC Wimbledon. The match was played at Walton Casuals FC and after a scoreless first half the home side piled on the pressure and should have taken the lead, however Worthing stuck to their task and kept their shape well, which allowed them to counter attack effectively for Lee Mottershead to open the scoring. The win was secured through a Nathan Webster free kick with 10 minutes remaining. The 2nd XI were in BCS Performance League action and it was a top of the table clash against South Downs College of Portsmouth. Despite Worthing dominating possession they failed to convert the chances made, which South Downs capitalised on this to take the lead from a looping volley. Worthing continued to press, but to no avail and two individual mistakes when pushing for the equaliser cost Worthing dear, which resulted in a 3-0 scoreline to South Downs.

The Netball Performance Programme continued their excellent form in all competitions by progressing into the next round of the British Colleges' Sport Cup defeating Godalming College 50-36 at Worthing College. Coach Tina Price hailed her squads work ethic as mental toughness, which they would need to take into the County stage of the National Colleges' Netball Finals at Roedean.

The Women's Football Performance Programme had a mixed set of fortunes this week as the 1st XI seemed to have a hangover after their excellent win at Filton the previous week. Worthing came up against a very strong and physical Colchester United FC, who ended up 6-0 winners at the match played at Wick FC. The 2nd XI continued their excellent run of form with a comprehensive 4-0 win against local rivals Chichester College in the British Colleges' Sport League Division One at Worthing College.

The Rugby Performance Programme were in Friendly action this week for an Under 19's fixture away to Bicton Park College of Swanage. Despite a very even start to the match Worthing's quality eventually shone through to end up winning 48-5. Lewis Maslen and Barney Lyons both touched down twice, Charlie Spring, Dec Peake, Pat White and full pitch run by Sam Bath were also try scorers. Nick White kicked four conversions to complete the scoring. On Sunday Performance squad members Brad Parker, Charlie Watts, Dec Peake, Pat White and Elliott Luke all played and were a major part of the South East teams performance who defeated the Midlands 55-13 in the final British Colleges' selection match at Gloucester University on Sunday. They will learn their fate later on this week.

Onwards & Upwards,

Hallsy