For the second week running, Rugby Lions were forced to defend desperately in the final few minutes of the game, but this time they just managed to hold on for the win.

Lions kicked off into a strong wind and started brightly with just the final execution letting them down on a number of occasions. When the visitors did get in Lion’s territory, they reached the shadow of the uprights before Rugby were awarded a scrum. A hurried clearance kick failed to reach touch and fell into the arms of wing Ben Coulson who gleefully accepted the gift. The conversion attempt by Ben Dudley was just wide.

A few minutes later, good movement in the visitor’s back line and a missed tackle enabled Harris to score another try in the right hand corner. This time the conversion was successful, and with fourteen minutes on the clock, Worthing were ahead by twelve points.

Rugby tried to respond, but their decision-making and execution were poor, leading to frustration in the crowd. James Hawken did reduce the deficit with a penalty, after failing with an earlier attempt, but it did not mask the fact that, even allowing for the wind, this was one of Rugby’s poorest first half performances of the season.

An early score in the second half was required to get Lion’s back in contention, and it duly came after three minutes following a throw-in on the right hand touch line. The ball was run down the back line, and Phil Reed ghosted through a gap in the defence to touch down in the left corner.

James Hawken missed the conversion, but Rugby were back in the game, and with the wind in their favour.

Six minutes later, two long passes gave Ade Hales a bit of space on the right wing. Although he was held just short, the Lion’s pack arrived in numbers to drive him over for the try and give the home side the lead. Hawken slotted the conversion this time to extend the advantage to three points.

Rugby strove for another score to give themselves some breathing space, but Worthing refused to give in with their big pack competing well.

With time running out, the visitors began to turn the screw with a series of pick and drives, and Lion’s were defending for all their worth. With the clock showing seven minutes of extra time, Worthing attempted a drop goal to tie the scores. The kick was well short, and Justin Parker collected the ball and called for a mark. The kick was put into touch to end the game to the relief of Rugby’s players and supporters. Credit must go to Worthing, and if they can maintain this level of commitment, they will surely avoid relegation.