Maintaining consistent level in matches is critical - Coulson

Worthing Raiders assistant coach Ben Coulson insists things are coming together for his side this season.
Kemp Price ran in a hat-trick of tries for Raiders on Saturday. Picture by Colin CoulsonKemp Price ran in a hat-trick of tries for Raiders on Saturday. Picture by Colin Coulson
Kemp Price ran in a hat-trick of tries for Raiders on Saturday. Picture by Colin Coulson

Once again there were a number of positives but Raiders eventually succumbed to a 37-30 National 2 South defeat at promotion hopefuls Bury St Edmunds on Saturday.

A good start saw Worthing lead 15-3 at one point, before a late fightback saw them recover from 37-15 down early in the second half to claim two bonus points.

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Raiders have faced four of the current top seven in their past four games, which has coincided with six consecutive league defeats.

Kieran Leeming is tackled during Saturday's clash at Bury St Edmunds. Picture by Colin CoulsonKieran Leeming is tackled during Saturday's clash at Bury St Edmunds. Picture by Colin Coulson
Kieran Leeming is tackled during Saturday's clash at Bury St Edmunds. Picture by Colin Coulson

Despite the difficult run of results, Coulson has seen signs to give him belief things will start to turn around in the coming weeks.

He said: “Once again we had a number of positives to take from the match. We’ve played some scintillating rugby this season, on both sides of the ball, anyone that has been to watch us will tell you as much.

“We’ve scored seven bonus points to date, only Redingensians have scored more, which shows we are scoring tries and when we lose it is close.

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“Every coach we’ve spoken to has said how fearful they are of the threat we pose. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to put all the pieces of the puzzle together for the duration. Our good periods were great, however, our poor moments were very bad.”

Raiders were reduced to 14 men late in the first half as Jide Ajayi was sinbinned. Bury recovered to go in to half-time level at 15-15, which Coulson felt handed them the initiative.

He added: “We should have gone in to the break seven points ahead, with a full quota of players on the pitch. Instead, we were a man down, level on the board but still in the match.

“They were excellent ten minutes either side of the break, making life very difficult for us.”

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Raiders currently sit 12th in the table and will be hoping to halt a run of six straight defeats when they welcome place-above Tonbridge Juddians to Roundstone Lane on Saturday.

Though it presents itself as a winnable fixture, Raiders assistant coach Coulson knows a sizeable task awaits.

He said: “Of course we are looking to get back to winning ways this weekend, but make no mistake, Tonbridge Juddians are a very well coached, strong and physical team.

“They’ve adapted well since being promoted, we’re excited to be back at Raiders HG, in front of our supporters, for what will be another big challenge.

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“Again, this match is not crucial but just as important as any other match we’ll play this season. We want four tries in every game and set out to achieve that goal. It’s important we demand more from ourselves.”

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