Worthing Raiders back in business as Old Albanian are beaten

It was an excellent performance by Raiders against a good Old Albanian squad – and a much-needed win after several weeks on the back foot due to unavailabilities.

There were many outstanding individual performances – from Frank Taggart, Joe Knight, Jack Doorey-Palmer, Curtis Barnes and more. But the MoM award went to Ben Featherstone for his work in the scrum and forward play.

Games between these two sides are usually very entertaining and high scoring. With Raiders in 13th place in the league and the visitors eighth, a tough game was expected.

The match in pictures by Stephen Goodger.

With 40 players at training on Thursday there was an upbeat atmosphere in the camp and a feeling the tide could be about to turn.

Selection was still hampered by injury and unavailability, absentees still in double figures, but Raiders were bolstered by the return of Curtis Barnes, Ethan Clarke and Jack Doorey-Palmer.

With a two-week break now, it’s hoped more players will become available for selection for the Bury St Edmunds game fixture on November 4.

Before kick-off a minute’s silence was held in memory of former first team player and captain Simon Baker.

Raiders kicked off and were attacking the southern end of the ground in the first half. Within a minute they found themselves 0-5 down as the visitors scored a well-constructed try.

It only took another couple of minutes for Raiders to get on the scoreboard. Moving the ball at pace in the backs, stretching the Old Albanian defence they were held up a few metres short of the line, at which point the forwards took over finishing with Doorey-Palmer touching down from close range. With the conversion missed it was 5-5 after five minutes.

It was developing into a spectacle of fast, open rugby and four minutes later Raiders broke up a dangerous attack deep in their own half.