Worthing enjoy home win against Lewes

Worthing's Jess Lovenbury in action against Lewes. Picture by Danny Wilson.

The home side touched down three tries in the National Challenge SE South 1 game, with the first coming within 15 minutes.

Fly-half Kelly Marchi and centre Lauren Sandford combined to ship the ball wide to the rapid Cass Larcombe, who sprinted past three Lewes players to touch down.

Worthing added a second try before half-time. Marchi passed the ball in the opposite direction to the opposing defensive line to flanker Jamie Justice. She cleverly drew two players in, which left space for Number 8 Holly Blackhurst to burst past three players and sprint more than half the length of the pitch to score.

Sandford’s conversion rebounded off the posts as the score was 10-0 at half-time.

Despite Lewes’s strong pack and constant pick and drives, Worthing’s defence and team work was exceptional.

Worthing refused to let Lewes score, despite the visitors pressurising their five-metre line for a good ten minutes. The ball was turned over in a ruck thanks to Worthing’s forwards hard-hitting tackles and Sandford kicked the ball clear.

Worthing added a third try when Larcombe went over for her second of the game and Amy Martin added the extras.

Head coach Andy Duckworth described the performance as “the best he had seen Worthing Ladies play”.