Levett hails '˜huge' Worthing Raiders win

Worthing Raiders head coach Jody Levett toasted a second successive National League 2 South win and said: 'This will give everyone a massive boost.'
Kariym Irving bagged Raiders' second try at London Irish Wild Geese on Saturday. Picture by Colin CoulsonKariym Irving bagged Raiders' second try at London Irish Wild Geese on Saturday. Picture by Colin Coulson
Kariym Irving bagged Raiders' second try at London Irish Wild Geese on Saturday. Picture by Colin Coulson

Raiders made it back-to-back victories for just second time this season with a hard-fought 39-34 triumph at fellow strugglers London Irish Wild Geese on Saturday.

After starting the day fourth-bottom in the table, Worthing moved up a place to 12th and above Barnstaple after they were beaten by Taunton Titans.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The latest win for Raiders completes a remarkable turnaround in recent weeks. Having lost ten consecutive league matches, Worthing have now come out on top in three of the previous four games, helping them move four points clear of the final relegation spot with five to play.

Skipper Liam Perkins goes over for Raiders' sixth try on Saturday. Picture by Colin CoulsonSkipper Liam Perkins goes over for Raiders' sixth try on Saturday. Picture by Colin Coulson
Skipper Liam Perkins goes over for Raiders' sixth try on Saturday. Picture by Colin Coulson

Head coach Levett believes the win at London Irish Wild Geese could be crucial come the end of the season and said: “Three wins out of four over the last month has certainly been much-needed for the whole squad.

“We had approached the month as a mini-season if you like, knowing that it would probably be a defining time for us.

“To come out of this run with 15 points is a fantastic achievement and moving up three places in the table has been the reward for a huge effort for everyone involved.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Raiders ran in six tries but were still pushed all the way by an attacking London Irish team.

Skipper Liam Perkins goes over for Raiders' sixth try on Saturday. Picture by Colin CoulsonSkipper Liam Perkins goes over for Raiders' sixth try on Saturday. Picture by Colin Coulson
Skipper Liam Perkins goes over for Raiders' sixth try on Saturday. Picture by Colin Coulson

Levett knew of their attacking threat going in, but he was just pleased to come away with another bonus-point win.

He added: “It was always going to be a close-fought battle. London Irish Wild Geese are a very attacking team and pose an attacking threat from anywhere on the pitch.

“We were aware it was likely to be a back-and-forth game scoring wise as both teams were going in search of a bonus-point win.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Following an intense few weeks, Raiders have a week break before continuing their push for survival.

Despite being on the back of two straight wins and three victories from four, Levett feels this break has come just at the right time.

He said: “The players now have the chance to rest, heading into a crucial final five games.

“It’s such a hard season both physically and mentally, so a week off allows the batteries to be recharged.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Raiders return to action on Saturday, March 25 when tenth-placed Henley Hawks come to Roundstone Lane.

Having won two of the last three at home, Levett sees no reason why his side can’t collect another bonus-point win and said: “We have to look at all five of the remaining matches as a chance to collect five points. Obviously, with the next game being at home , on the back of some good displays, we look forward to the challenge.”

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics: