They're off to Old Pats

WORTHING Rugby Club have run into an away tie against division-higher Old Patesians at Cheltenham on November 18. The draw was made on Monday by Worthing's own RFU president Bob Rogers and tournaments and competitions director Terry Burwell.

Old Pats are unbeaten at home this season with wins over Clifton, Rosslyn Park and Southend, and narrow away defeats to Chinnor, Hertford and Bridgwater & Albion. They have been more heavily beaten, at Canterbury by 23 points, and at fellow Gloucestershire club Lydney by 24.

Worthing's league rivals, Ealing and London Scottish both fell at the first hurdle but to sides from Old Patesians' division. Worthing, in contrast, won at home to a side from a division below them. Scottish, like Worthing, did not select to full strength.

This Saturday, for Worthing it is back to league promotion endeavours and a testing trip to, this season, an improved Bishop's Stortford side.

For full report, see this week's Worthing Herald.