Stand-in hooker Grant Gatford was one of the key men for Worthing as they boosted their London Two South title hopes.

Worthing won 36-3 at Maidstone, despite a Saturday morning scare when their only available hooker Tim Lucas reported sick.

Flanker Gatford took the No. 2 jersey and did a solid job as Worthing won convincingly to go second in the table.

Coach Ian Davies revealed: "Grant played hooker in the colts, which is going back five years or so.

"We told him at training on Thursday he might be needed there and he said okay. We threw him in on Saturday morning and he was excellent.

"The pack were on top in the scrums anyway but his throwing in was excellent."

Back row man Dave Davies and outside half Ben Coulson also impressed as Worthing continued their good run.

Simon Swadling, Mike Imrie, Adam Holloway and Raynn Bruce scored tries with Coulson adding two conversions, three penalties and a drop goal.