Worthing Raiders deliver 50-12 win over Maidenhead

Worthing Raiders delivered a 50-12 win over Maidenhead, further securing their mid-table position.

With just five fixtures left, the Raiders approached this game at Roundstone Lane needing a victory to solidify their safety from the relegation playoffs.

Their previous match was two weeks before against Farnham, necessitating a few roster tweaks this time around.

Tom Meyer and Callum Butler were unavailable, substituted by Josh Taylor and Alex Havers, while Luke Gill returned to replace Charlie Dale.

The match conditions were ripe for an open game of rugby and the Raiders did not disappoint.

After just three minutes, Sam Myles opened the scoring for the Raiders, capitalising on a line-out from the halfway line.

Ed Hartley successfully converted, taking the score to 7-0.

Another three minutes down, Jared Penfold slipped through Maidenhead's defence, marking the Raiders’ second try which saw Hartley effortlessly converting again for a 14-0 lead.

Utilising clever handling and constant circulation across the pitch, the Raiders left no room for Maidenhead to settle into the game.

The third try came from Josh Taylor following a formidable forward drive towards the goal line.

Post multiple thwarted attempts thanks to Maidenhead’s spirited defence, Sam Myles spun the ball wide to Taylor, who dashed to the line, clocking the score at 19-0, although this conversion was missed.

Shortly after, Sam Myles seized an opportunity after Maidenhead was penalised for handling the ball on the floor in a tackle.

His quick tap-and-go resulted in an unconverted try, swelling the Raiders' advantage to 24-0 by the 24th minute and also earning them a try bonus point.

The first half ended with the Raiders well in control at 24-0.

The second half saw a slight resurgence from Maidenhead with a converted try, reducing the score to 24-7 after seven minutes.

However, the Raiders swiftly regained composure with a catch-and-drive sequence ending in a converted try from Luke Gill.

Josh Taylor, Jack Lake, Joel Andrews, and Dan Wallis Downham also bagged tries, with Ed Hartley successfully converting five of them.

A breakaway try in the closing stages from Maidenhead sealed the final score at 50-12 to the Raiders, who gained another five points in the league.

Jack Lake was named the Egremont Man of the Match.