Raiders record comfortable home win

Raiders increased their lead at the top to eight points as second-placed Henley Hawks won 16-12 at third-placed Hartpury College, without picking up a bonus point, although they do have a game in hand on Worthing.

Worthing had the four-try bonus point wrapped up after just 26 minutes after Joe Govett converted tries by Kieran Leeming, Ollie Richards, Rob Smith and Alex Nielsen.

Further converted tries from Charlie McGowan and Jamie Redmayne made the half-time score 42-0.

A converted penalty try made the score 49-0 five minutes into the second half, before Rob Smith touched down his second but Govett’s conversion went wide.

Smith went over for his hat-trick on 64 minutes, before Luke Peters got Raiders’ 10th try with seven minutes left, with both converted by Govett, who kicked nine of the 10 conversions.

Raiders coach Kieron Dawson said: “To put in a performance like that was very pleasing.

“We’ve gone through the season unbeaten at home and I don’t know the last time Worthing did that.

“It’s onwards and upwards now ahead of two very tough away games.”

Raiders travel to Cornish All Blacks on April 20, before travelling to Henley on May 3.

Full match report in the April 18 edition of the Worthing Herald.