22/09/07 Worthing 3 (A) Friendly L 12 - 24

Trojans were forced to make 11 changes to the team that played Petersfield last week for this friendly, so a mixture of the 2s, 3s and a couple of new players travelled to Worthing.

When the players eventually (no names Fraser, Sparky…) arrived there was no time for a warm up and it was straight into the game. Trojans started well, putting an experienced and well-drilled Worthing side under pressure and after 2 or 3 exchanges of possession and numerous phases Frasier Moncrieffe popped up with an excellently taken try after some good handling down the backline. James Pennington converted to give Trojans a 7-0 lead. Worthing soon responded however and after some sustained pressure and a series of missed tackles they were allowed to score a weak try which was well converted. A second try followed not long after with some poor communication in the Trojans defence allowing a Worthing forward to stroll over for their second try and conversion to make it 14-7. Trojans also lost Fraser Moncrieffe to injury shortly after the re-start.

The rest of the half remained scoreless after some improved tackling and set-piece work by Trojans players took the pressure off a little: Joe I’Anson (aided by the ‘unlucky’ Worthing number 13 who later failed to score again when over the line!) saved a try in the corner with a last-ditch tackle to make up for 2 earlier shockers and some good forward work solidified the Trojans’ scrums.

The second half started with the light breeze and harsh glare of the sun now behind the Trojans players. James Pennington was kicking well to find either space or distance in his kicks to touch but with Worthing strong in the set-piece there was little progress for the first 5 minutes. After some sustained Trojans pressure, a crafty line-out and drive created space for a neat ‘miss one, loop’ move and fullback Sam Vaughan scored in the corner.

The fitness and discipline of Worthing however began to take its’ toll against a Trojans 2^nd team who have been disappointing in their numbers at training and their fight back lost momentum in the hot conditions. Worthing ran in 2 more tries to complete the scoring, despite a much-improved defensive showing by Trojans than in the 1^st half. Trojans can take solace in having played some good rugby and dominated for spells, but in the end were beaten by a reasonable Worthing side that capitalised on their mistakes. 

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This page last updated:  14 February, 2008