RUGBY: Worthing captain Jody Levett's weekly column (December 25)

WELL, we finally did it. We made history for Worthing RFC by winning our first home game in National 3 South, and not before time.

The build-up to the game over the last couple of weeks has gone well and we have been both focused and relaxed in training, in most parts anyway.

That is what I believe enabled us to get the result we so desperately wanted and needed.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The game itself was not a pretty one, as often local derbies and crucial matches tend to be.

There is almost too much at stake to be expressive and take risks, and a fear of making a mistake.

However, we were able to play with the shape and structure we were looking to and adapted well to the referee and the style of game he expected.

It was our ability to do this and remain positive in both our attitude and attacking style that meant we were able to keep the upper hand.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It was a tight first half with us maintaining a lead through some excellent place kicking.

However, it was a well-worked try in injury-time in the first half which gave us the cushion we needed as we went in at half-time.

The second half was played with far more control and respect for field position than we had done in previous games.

This allowed us to maintain our patterns and shape and keep Havant under pressure and force them to play from deep within their own half and chase the game, which is a position we normally find ourselves in.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

To say we have made history may seem a real exaggeration in the bigger shape of things, however it is these little battles, or indeed big ones depending how you look at it, that change and turn seasons.

Both sides were very aware of how important the game was with regards to league position and with third from bottom Chinnor having a very tough fixture against Rugby Lions, it meant that a victory would almost certainly mean moving out of the relegation zone.

That is psychologically a huge thing and I have to be honest and say it was a good feeling looking at teletext on Saturday evening and seeing us out of the drop zone.

Of course, all this will count for nothing if we are not able to maintain it into the New Year and it is only after the last game is played that league positions really matter.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

We have a break now for the Christmas period and a week off from training. The victory on Saturday will make this time off even more enjoyable.

However, we know on our return to training that it will not be a pleasant experience as the need to work off the indulgences of the festive period is a must, unfortunately.

But our new found belief, team spirit and realising the enjoyment of what playing rugby with a close bunch of friends is about, is what we will take us into the New Year and the second half of the season confident of survival, especially as it is now in our own hands again.

-------------------------------------

Click here to go back to Worthing sport.

Click here to return to Gazette sport.

Click here to go back to Shoreham sport.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: [email protected]