RUGBY: Raiders again frustrated by the weather

Raiders were hopeful of the game going ahead but Westcombe, who arrived for the game, felt it was too hard, the match referee agreed with them, and it was called off. It was Worthing's second successive game to be postponed and they have now not played since December 12, and the forecast does not look good for their game at Clifton this Saturday. Raiders team manager David Hinchcliffe said: "We were a little bit doubtful about playing but were hopeful on Saturday. It was probably touch and go but we just wanted to play. "But they felt the pitch was too hard and the referee will normally agree with the team who doesn't want to play. "It was the south end of the pitch, which is shaded by the trees, which didn't really thaw out. "And we think they had an under-strength team, so were quite happy to call it off." Raiders are hoping for an early decision from Clifton on whether Saturday's game will be on. Worthing will have to leave at 9am, so have asked Clifton for a decision by 8.45am, or on Friday if there is no chance of the game being on. Hinchcliffe said: "The last time we played was on December 12, which isn't ideal to not play for so long. "If the game is off on Saturday, we'll be hoping our game on January 16 at home to Barnes is on because we don't have a match the following week." Worthing's training programme has not been too badly affected by the weather as they train inside on Tuesdays, and they managed to train on Monday and Wednesday last week. Hinchcliffe said: "Everyone is fit and we were more-or-less full strength for Saturday, with Semi Taulava back available. "I'd imagine it will be the same sort of squad on Saturday." On Saturday, Ealing took over at the top of National 2 South with their 24-16 win over Richmond. Previous leaders Barking won 17-13 at Canterbury. In the other matches played, Rosslyn Park beat Barnes 51-9 and Southend defeated Shelford 32-20. Worthing's position in 10th place remained unchanged with the results. ------------------------------------- Click here to go back to Worthing sport. Click here to return to Gazette sport. Click here to go back to Shoreham sport. Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here. Email the Herald: steve.bailey@worthingherald.co.uk