Raiders set for late season start and early finish

That is due to Rugby Lions – who were due to be Raiders’ first and last opponents of the season – being removed from the league as they failed to meet the RFU requirements to compete this season, after the club had gone into liquidation last month.

Worthing will now begin at home to Bournemouth on September 8 and head coach Kieron Dawson said: “It’s very frustrating but it is what it is, there’s no point moaning.

“We won’t get a free week in the middle of the season now either and we’re going to be a game behind all the other teams throughout the season, which will mean we’ll always be four or five points behind and sometimes it’s easier to be in front.

“It’s not ideal but we’ll try to spin it into our favour.”

Raiders played their first pre-season game on Saturday when they travelled to Westcombe Park with a 50-strong squad and lost 22-17. The game was played in four quarters and Dawson was happy with his side’s work-out

Worthing host Rosslyn Park this Saturday, with a 2pm start during an open day at Roundstone Lane for anyone interested in being part of the club.

The theme of the day is “come and be part of our club”, whether as a player, parent or spectator. The club have junior boys and girls sides from under-six to under-18, plus men’s and ladies squads. The open day runs from midday to 2pm, before the Raiders’ match.

All attendees on the day will be given the chance to claim a free ticket to the first home league game of the season against Bournemouth on September 8.