Worthing were made to work hard for the win and just came out on top of two evenly matched sides currently mid table but with realistic hope of top three finish. After four games on the road and only one home game since Dec 4th this was an entertaining game and served up nine tries as both sides were happy to keep the ball in hand in windy conditions at Woollams. Alex Noot on his 50th league appearance and playing in the centre put OA ahead with a penalty on 8 mins. It was Worthing who scored the first try on 25 minutes after an OA dropped pass Worthing picked the ball up and left wing Rigelsford scored. OA hit back with a try for wing Evans after a maul from a lineout and a pass to the blindside. The game was end to end and Worthing scored next through hooker Doorey-Palmer who was a the back of a 5 meter lineout catch and drive. The last score of the first half went to OA through left-wing Thomas 13-12 to OA at half time.

OA stretched their lead on 41 mins through scrum half Wilton who had a lively game. The sides again exchanged tries and with 20 minutes to go OA were 25-19 to the good and had the try bonus point. The larger Worthing pack were starting to exert pressure although OA continued to scrummaged strongly. OA always keen to entertain and run with the ball were making a few handling errors that this type of rugby sometimes leads to. Worthing replacement Ure scored from another successful 5 meter lineout and with fly half Mclean kicking well Worthing edge ahead 25-26. On 66 minutes Worthing centre Forrest went on a fantastic run from 22 to 22 but just failed to score but a minute later he deservedly crossed under the posts. Mclean converted and sealed the game 25-33. OA had a penalty opportunity at the end but decided to run the ball instead of take a losing bonus point.

Richard Homer,

Reporter