Raiders could end Hartpury’s promotion challenge

WORTHING Raiders Rugby Club could all but end Hartpury’s promotion challenge in National 2 South on Saturday and narrow the title shoot-out to the league’s top-three sides.

Raiders extended their lead at the top of the table with a 45-15 triumph at Bournemouth on Saturday, and now host fourth-placed Hartpury this weekend.

With a bonus-point win in their South Coast derby at Bournemouth, Worthing pulled eight points clear from second-placed Henley, although third-placed Redruth are the major concern, nine points behind in third with two games in hand.

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A victory on Saturday, however, can all but end Hartpury’s challenge – they are 11 points behind the top spot with one game in hand.

Raiders head coach Kieron Dawson said: “Jordan Burns is back with us, which is a bonus and will add strength to the squad, whether or not he starts.

“Apart from the long-term absentees, we haven’t got too many bumps and bruises and are at full strength.

“Unfortunately, Hartpury will have all their representative students back, it would have been nicer playing them on an international weekend, but we should be strong enough to put on a good show.”

Kick-off on Saturday is 2pm.

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