McLean inspires in war of the Raiders
THIS entertaining fixture drew in a crowd of more than 800 and was ultimately decided by the visitors’ fleet-footed backs.
The home side have been hit hard by early-season injuries and as they slipped 14-5 behind in the first period they suffered another big blow with the loss of pacy full-back Anthony Armstrong.
Another indication to Guernsey’s ill luck came early in the second half as Alex Gow’s 35-yard penalty dropped onto the bar but fell the wrong way.
Worthing made a hash of clearing, conceded a penalty under their own posts and from the resultant scrum Matt Thomas touched down as the dominant pack pushed Worthing back.
Worthing restored the advantage as winger Jack Maslen raced on to his own kick, with Matt McLean’s conversion making it 21-12. On 52 minutes Maslen scored again after an electric burst down the far touchline.
A trademark Guernsey catch-and-drive brought a try for Doug Horrocks on 59 minutes – converted to make the score 28-19.
Raiders forced another penalty and following Gow’s kick for the corner, skipper Lewis Hillier dived over to cut the lead to two with 13 minutes remaining.
Worthing stand-off McLean settled matters though, with his converted score making the points safe.
