Worthing Raiders suffer away defeat to Clifton

John Dawe receiving pass from Matt McLean. Picture by Colin Coulson

Worthing Raiders suffered a 37-15 defeat to Clifton on Saturday.

The squad had one change from the previous week with Tom Adams replacing the unavailable Kieran Sassone.

The pitch at Clifton was in immaculate condition which is more than can be said for the weather. A fast open game it was unlikely to be as continuous rain fell from first thing in the morning to well beyond the end of the game.

So it was, that the weather and the big, experienced Clifton pack determined the way the game would be played.

Raiders kicked off and were quickly under pressure from the driving, close quarter play from Clifton. Within a couple of minutes the visitors were 7-0 down. Shortly after the lead stretched to 10-0 when Clifton slotted a penalty kick.

Under pressure Raiders conceded penalties which gave the home side the chance to dominate field position. With a quarter of the game gone Raiders were 17-3 behind, Matt McLean having put the visitors on the board with a penalty. So far they had had very little ball to play with.