Guernsey was the opposition for the final game of a traumatic season for Worthing Raiders.
Relegation was certainly not something on the minds of players and coaches at the start of the season but by Christmas it had become top of the agenda. There were many reasons why only three wins were achieved to date, not least the unavailability list throughout the campaign due to injuries. However, we reach the final game of the season looking to end on a high, but with thoughts already set on rebuilding for the future.
Raiders made three changes to the squad that played against Westcombe Park in the previous game. Jack Lake, Jack Whyte and Austin Steele replaced Grant Gatford, Alfie Ambrose and Joe Beal.
Raiders kicked off attacking the southern end of the ground in the first half. The visitors opened the scoring in the seventh minute with an unconverted try to take a 0-5 lead. Five minutes later Worthing kicked a penalty into touch deep in the Guernsey twenty-two. From the lineout they set up a driving maul. The ball moved towards the try line, in small increments in the hands of the forwards. When they released the ball to the backs, Jack Forrest broke through to touchdown and level the score 5-5.
The next score also belonged to the home side. A long clearance kick by Worthing rolled into touch deep in the Guernsey twenty-two. As the kick originated in the Worthing half of the field, they had a throw in at the lineout. Jake Rutherford made a break and slipped a neat offload to Jack Lake who romped in unopposed. Ed Hartley converted, and the hosts had a 12-5 lead.
So far, the game had been an even contest but in the twenty-fifth minute the game fell apart for Worthing.
Having scored a converted try to level the score, Guernsey then ran in four more converted tries before half time. Worthing were a bit like the proverbial rabbit in the headlights and were totally unable to do anything to prevent this avalanche of scoring. From 12-12 the score moved to 12-40 in about twelve minutes.
Half time score: Worthing Raiders 22 Guernsey Raiders 40
The visitors restarted the game after the break and scored an unconverted try after five minutes, 12-45.
The hosts came very close to getting the next score, when Sam Myles chipped ahead on the right wing. With several Worthing players in chase and limited cover defence to beat, it looked like they would get another try but in trying to pick the ball up under pressure they knocked on and the chance was gone.
Undeterred they raised the tempo of their play and put pressure on the Guernsey defence, this produced a penalty on their twenty-two-metre line, Jake Rutherford took a quick tap and gave a well-timed pass to Jack Lake, who for the second time in the match ran in unopposed to touch down. Ed Hartley again converted to bring the score to 19-45.
Raiders used all their bench players as they tried to claw their way back into the game. Unfortunately, just like the first half, Guernsey playing excellent, powerful running rugby blitzed Worthing with four tries in the next fifteen minutes. In the blink of an eye the score had leapt to 19-71.
With time almost up the hosts scored a fourth try after good build up work. Rob Ure got the touch down from short range and Ed Hartley converted. With the score at 26-71 the game, and indeed the season came to a close.
Full Time score: Worthing Raiders 26 Guernsey Raiders 71
An entertaining spectacle for the near five hundred crowd but a very disappointing way to end this difficult season. However, the spirit of the team was evident up to the final whistle.
Guernsey had played well with plenty of powerful runners dominating play. Worthing played well in patches but made far too many basic handling errors to build prolonged pressure on the visitors.
Worthing will be saying farewell to several of the squad and coaching team as they move on to other challenges next season.
During the summer break they will seek to recruit new players and build a squad that is capable of bouncing straight back into the National League.
Both Jack Lake and Rob Ure had outstanding games and were jointly given the Fox Inn man of the Match award.
Many thanks to our supporters who have cheered the side on throughout the season despite the lack of success on the field. Also, thanks to the Raiders’ Ball Team who have done a great job helping to keep the games flowing.
Thanks finally to all those who have bothered to read these match reports, it hasn’t always been easy to put a positive spin on things.
Referee: Conor Boyle
Attendance: 480
The Fox Inn Man of the Match: Jack Lake & Rob Ure
Scorers:
Tries: Jack Forrest, Jack Lake (2), Rob Ure
Conversions: Ed Hartley (3)
Team: 1. Fraser Bruce – Captain 2. George Gatford 3. Ben Featherstone 4. Jack Lake 5. Elliott Powell 6. Ollie Crow 7. Alex Havers 8. Rob Ure 9. Jake Rutherford 10. Cam Dobinson 11. Charlie Spencer 12. Ed Hartley 13. Jack Forrest 14. Will Beer 15. Tom Meyer
Bench: 16. Jack Whyte 17. Max Ravaudet 18. Austin Steele 19. Sam Myles 20. Dillon Worsley
