RUGBY: Worthing captain James Arthur's column (March 11)

WHAT a difference a week makes.Last week, we were in wetsuits and flippers, this week it was sunnies, shorts and flip flops and as a result training returned to normal.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Mar 2010, 08:55 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 01:04 BST

A number of changes were made for Saturday's game, all to rest, rotate and build the depth of the squad.

Will Smith started in the second row, resting Joe Launchbury, Joe Govett returned to fly half for Ben Dudley, who picked up a slight injury in last week's game against Canterbury, and young Jack Metters came in at scrum half for Shane Costigan.

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Also, second row Steve May took up a new position, covering both backs and forwards from the bench, and consequently made his debut at inside centre for the final minutes of the game.

Saturday's game was moved back to 3pm '“ a sure sign that it's the start of spring.

The emphasis this week was to rein in our enthusiasm to throw the ball wide, now the pitches are toughening up, and build on the intelligent rugby we played the week before.

We have to earn the right to go wide. We started well, dominating from the off, and scored our first try within two minutes of kick-off.

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We turned ball over and stole from the line outs, while the backs played free-flowing running rugby.

As with every game, there are things to improve and we will look at these at training.

It was another good home win and, hopefully, more entertaining and less nail biting for our supporters.

We picked up another convincing win and the bonus point, which now puts us above Canterbury on points difference, also with a game in hand, after they lost to Southend.

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What is most pleasing about the result was the strength in depth we showed.

The boys coming into the team all stood up to a Dings side that is large, physical and at times an abrasive team.

We took our chances well and at times looked dangerous with the ball in hand.

This week we travel to third in the league Ealing, who drew at the weekend with Henley, so I am sure they will want to come out hard against us at home.

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Our last match against them saw us lose 18'“5, so I am hoping with the vast improvements we have made as a team, we will be on course for another upset.

I hope to see as many of you there as possible.

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Related topics:RugbyWill Smith