RUGBY: Raiders blown away against Ealing

Raiders have gone four matches without a win, suffering three defeats and a draw since the 25-21 win at home over Lydney.

Green said: "We played well in the first- half, playing into a strong wind, which I thought was a 15 to 20 point wind, so to come in eight down was pleasing.

"However, we didn't capitalise on the wind in the second-half, which is frustrating, as we could have got something from the game against a good side."

Green admitted the position was slightly worrying but took solace in the tough fixtures they have played and the fact they soon have players returning.

"Look at some of the sides we have played. We have a few home games now after an important trip to Bridgwater and Albion in two weeks' time.

"They have been having a difficult season and we need to go down there and get a result.

"Every game against teams around us is must-win now.

"Matt McLean came back from a long absence through injury on Saturday and Will Smith returned with a good performance, which is very pleasing.

"We should have a few more players back to pick from for the Bridgwater game."

Some Raiders fans were left with a bitter taste after Matt McLean's try, to take the score to 15-10 with the conversion to come and eight minutes left, was ruled out for a forward pass.

But Green refused to point the finger of blame: "The way I saw it, I think it looked forwards anyway, so it didn't really matter."

Ealing took their time to take advantage from the wind, but did go ahead after the ball came out from a maul.

A cross-field kick by Ben Ward fell into the arms of Phil Chesters, who went over for an unconverted try.

Ward then put over a penalty awarded against Raiders for driving up at a scrum.

Worthing had a few pushes before half-time as Joe Govett and McLean came close.

After the break, a kick ahead was gathered by Markus Burcham who went over to give Ward an easy conversion.

Govett then finally broke through Ealing's line and put down an unconverted try. After the disallowed try Ward put over another penalty to compound Worthing's misery.

WORTHING: McLean, Marshall, Spell, Dudley, Nielsen, Govett, Costigan, Emmett, Pointing, Bennett, Smith, McGowan, Redmayne, Smith, Launchbury. Subs: Maidment, Cleveland, Arthur, Metters, Adams.

Shoreham's match at East Grinstead in the Sussex Intermediate League was postponed due to the pitch being unplayable. Littlehampton's match against Crawley in Division 2 West of the Sussex League was also called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

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