ROWAN O'GORES EM

While the No 8 from New Zealand was moving to 13 tries in his first Worthing season, to take care of their double over lowly Basingstoke, the leaders London Scottish were being scuppered 23-20 away to Old Colfeians at Eltham in the shock of the day.

One of the powerhouses of Worthing's performance was the second row where Charlie McGowan was returning to his home club to pair with his brother Ben in the 1st XV for the first time in almost four years.

Charlie left Worthing at the end of last season and to advance his prospects joined London Welsh with No 8 Paul Cox. McGowan then moved early this season to National League club Bracknell where he played until November at the highest level of young career.

His progress last season and his experience this at Bracknell appear to have persuaded Worthing to make Charlie an offer which will enable them to develop and exploit the McGowan siblings at lock.

Coach Mick Orton was excited at the first fruits of that move, evident on Saturday: "Both are younger, they're that much fitter, and Charlie's brought his experience from the higher level and done us proud. He looks a class player now and that can only enhance our other second-row players.

"He and Ben are a fantastic pairing, without taking anything away from the parts Steve Dove (the veteran] and Danny Venter (several appearances this season] have played for us so far. Steve and Danny will figure for us in the season still to come.

"Old Colfeians have done us a big favour. It was a surprise '” as was our defeat at Canterbury on December 4.

"At Basingstoke, we went to sleep in phases and made it hard for ourselves but we won and there was some very good play in our three-quarters '” good use of the ball and taking the right options."

The pack drove Ben McGowan for the opening try in a first half Worthing ended leading 28-3.

WORTHING: Kimmer; Coulson, Yalor, Stewart-McDonald, Stephens; Dudley, Outen; Storer, Bennett, Nacagilevu, C.McGowan, B.McGowan, Phillips, Levett, O'Gorman. Bench: Imrie (Stewart-McDonald 72; to scrum-half, Coulson to centre, Outen to wing), Monoogian, Dove.

Tries: Ben McGowan, Rowan O'Gorman 3, Ben Dudley. Conv: Ben Coulson; pens, Coulson 2.

Worthing resume 1st XV action in a friendly at home to Sussex Trophy Final victims Lewes on January 2. Lewes are a division below Worthing, Mick Orton explained: "Both clubs want a good run-out before we start back in the league campaign."

Bishop's Stortford at home on January 8 is Worthing's restart.

Haywards Heath, under ex-Worthing coach Ian Davies, won 30-10 away to mid-table Tabard on Saturday '” their first win this season in National League 3 South.