RUGBY: Worthing captain James Arthur's weekly column (March 25)

Rob Smith came into eight (new inner soles included), while Paul Dunkley moved from the centres to full back, Greg Walker started in the centres, with Mike Marsh coming in on the wing.

The feeling this week was positive and with hard work done at the training sessions, working on our defence which at times had let us down the week before, we went into this week's game feeling good, with the ground firming up and running rugby on the cards.

We welcomed Westcombe to the Rugby Ground on a cold, wet and windy spring day, with any hope of running rugby being washed away by the wet conditions.

The last time we played Westcombe was the second game of the season and we left with a 16-12 loss, so we were not underestimating them, even though they sat several places below us.

Five minutes into the game, the heavens opened. With Park playing with the wind at their backs, they played smart rugby and used a kicking game to pin us into our own half.

We went into the break 19-18 down, thanks to some good defence and ball retention, and also two tries from hooker Mickey Pointing.

In the second half, we played the same game plan as Park had in the first half but were more effective. We capitalised on our solid defence, took our scoring opportunities when they arose, and won the game 31-19 to secure another five-point win.

Compared to some of our recent performances, it was not one of our best. However, it was rewarding to know that we can still win, even when we are not at our best, and that the team can still put in a winning performance despite a number of injuries.

Unfortunately, even with the win and Canterbury's loss, we still remain in seventh place as they managed to pick up two bonus points from their fixture.

The day signified the mini's weekend and it was great to have so many supporting the club and getting involved. I would also like to thank all of the first team who gave up their Sunday morning to help out with the mini's coaching day.

On Saturday, we play Bridgwater at home, which is always a physical game and, with a narrow win at their place earlier in the season, I am sure this game will be just as difficult.

We hope to see as many of you there as possible and hope for slightly drier conditions.

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