Worthing scored after 35 seconds and led 12-0 after 12 minutes but still lost at Hertford in London One.

It finished 30-23 to the hosts, even though they lost the try count 3-2.

Ben Coulson kicked off and was touching down in the corner within a minute after the outstanding Paul Cox had claimed possession.

Coulson then converted a try created by John Firkin's reverse pass and finished off by Ben Dudley.

Hertford got back to 12-11 by the break, then kicked a penalty early in the second half.

Stuart McLaughlin crossed for Worthing after combining with Dudley and Worthing later led again at 20-17 when Firkin dropped a goal.

Coulson's penalty dragged them back into it at 24-23 but they could not grab another score.