But it was no winning start for Raiders in Division 3 South in this tough opening fixture. It was even more testing than they had calculated because they were beaten 28-10 by a team who had both their overseas players to Worthing's none.

Originally-selected full-back Tom Wells could not play because the international clearance between Ireland and New Zealand, from his club last season to his native rugby union, had not been received. The Kiwi was still therefore regarded as a Young Munster player and could not be released to Worthing by the NZRFU.

Second overseas signing, back-row forward Sam Calvin, another New Zealander, had arrived at Worthing from across the world only last week and not until Thursday was there time to establish he would be even match-fit enough to have a look at him playing a role coming off the bench.

The match ended a try apiece but Worthing out-goaled. Ben Coulson landed a Worthing penalty in quick reply to an early Lydney try, but goal-kicking was Lydney's key to establishing a winning lead soon after the inteval. They went in 16-3 ahead after kicking three penalties, then after the break dropped two goals and added a fourth penalty in between them, to lead 25-3.

Worthing pressure brought a yellow Lydley card for killing the ball, then the hosts escaped after two subsequent killings were punished with only a penalty instead of a possible penalty try. Even so, Worthing's handling brought them a try from the third set-piece of the series that imposed the justice themselves.

Gareth Richards touched down near the posts and Coulson converted for a score of 25-10. But a final Lydney penalty completed the scoring.

WORTHING: Nielsen; Kaye, Harris, Richards, Coulson; Dudley, Peach; Storer, Cleveland, Burns, Cox, C.McGowan, Phillips, Levett, Maidment.

Bench: Pointing (Cleveland 41), Calvin (Phillips 46), Marler (Burns 60), Smith (Levett 71), Phillip (Dudley 76). All changes tactical.

Story and pictures in the Herald.

National 3 South: Barking 12, Henley 12; Dings Crusaders v Canterbury, postponed (flooded ground); Ealing 19, Rosslyn Park 8; Havant 0, Richmond 17; London Scottish 45, Chinnor 3; Lydney 28, Worthing 10; Rugby Lions (Raiders' opponents at home next Saturday) 23, Bridgwater & Albion 28.

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