WORTHING RUMBLE PROUD RICHMOND

The old order, of elitist pre-league days, were pre-scripted. For neither love nor money could an aspiring junior club like Worthing entertain the idea of 1st XI fixtures with London giants such as Richmond or London Scottish. WRFC were a small sight down the end of the long nose of first class rugby.

Now in two months, rising Worthing have beaten Scottish twice, in national cup and league, and the famed red, black and gold of Richmond have been lowered at Roundstone Lane.

Worthing are in only their second season in London 1 and Richmond their first. Another irony is that Worthing suddenly lost their chief coach and head of rugby, Welshman Ian Davies, in the close season.

His career move took him up a division to Haywards Heath. While they now prop up National League 3 South, Worthing have continued apace as if nothing had happened.

On Saturday, they showed, under replacement coach Mick Orton, that they have the determination, playing strength and organisation to turn into a reality a dream of being the first side in the division to defeat Richmond.

Worthing led 24-6 until conceding two tries while they had two players in the sinbin.

Orton confessed his delight: "It's going well, I must admit. I'm just proud of the guys. They've stepped up to the mark, decided they wanted to do something and prove something. I'm over the moon '” but it counts for nothing unless they take it forward, and I'll be looking at that in the next couple of weeks.

"Obviously, this was an outstanding performance all over the park. Afterwards Richmond were taking their hats off to us.

"It's well documented about our two New Zealander centres, Jamie Stewart-McDonald and Duncan Taylor and our strength in that pairing. We thought Richmond would attack us through the middle so I wanted to change the point of our attack to the wings and using the full-back in the line. It worked."

Worthing's backs this season have started to catch up with the storming progress of the forwards.

As well as losing Ian Davies, Worthing lost lock Charlie McGowan and No 8 Paul Cox to London Welsh this summer. Into their places have stepped elder brother Ben McGowan, after long-term injury, and another Antipodean import, Rowan O'Gorman. The second lock position is being shared by veteran Steve Dove and newcomer from Brighton, Danny Venter.

Orton commented: "Ben's been an absolute sensation. Such a positive attitude and thirst for the game. And Danny was aweseome on Saturday. He's a big, strong, powerful guy who's going to be good. Together they've brought extra zest to the team and desire for achievement. It's a great feeling.

"This Saturday we go to London Nigerians. Their ground has Wormwood Prison as its backdrop. Then we are away to Bishop's Stortford. They are all going to be big games from now on.

"It's still very early. We're only six games into it. We've got to play with that same feeling and motivation as on Saturday if we're going to achieve."