Simmonds’ treble ends home record

WILLIAM Simmonds ran in a hat-trick to help Bishop’s Stortford inflict a maiden home defeat on Worthing Raiders.

Simmonds’ treble and a George Cullen effort ensured Stortford sealed a bonus-point triumph in a thrilling encounter.

Alex Nielsen went over on five minutes for his 100th National League try for Worthing.

Scott Barlow was shown a yellow nine minutes later, with Stortford running in three tries in an eight-minute spell as he was off the field.

Simmonds started and finished the try run, with Cullen getting one in the middle, but Matt McLean kicked a penalty just before the break to give the Raiders hope.

Momentum was with Worthing as Nielsen’s try and McLean’s penalty put them 18-17 ahead but Simmonds added his third, before Banks knocked over a penalty.

Kiba Richards forced his way over with ten minutes left and McLean converted to leave Worthing trailing by just five points.

But Banks ensured an 11-point lead was opened once again with a pair of penalties as time ran out.

Worthing continued to push for a way back in as Rob Sargent bundled over with two minutes left.

However, as McLean skewed the conversion wide, any hopes of a fightback faded.

TEAMS

WORTHING: McLean, Squire, Wilcockson, Richards, Nielsen, Leeming, Peach, Storer, Harris, Sargent, Barlow, Redmayne, Smith, White, Perkins

Replacements: Watson, Gatford, Whittall, Loosmore, Montgomery BISHOP’S STORTFORD: Simmonds, Hankin, Neville, Cullen, Rea, Coleman, Banks, Young, Caufield, Edwards, McCrath, Tomlinson, Turner, Elsom, Ball Replacements: Brown, McCrone, Michell, Hutler, Abraham REFEREE: Calum Howard ATTENDANCE: 625 Star man William Simmonds - Worthing