Worthing dig deep to claim crucial away win

WORTHING had to dig deep as they secured a bonus-point victory over a spirited Barnstaple.

Fly-halves Jacob Murphy and Mathew McLean exchanged kicks from the tee in the opening exchanges before No.8 Danny Southworth powered over the whitewash to gives the hosts the advantage, Murphy converting.

However, centre Kiba Richards, who starred for the visitors, helped flip the contest on its head as he ran in for two tries before half-time.

McLean proved to be similarly clinical with the boot, sending both conversions between the posts.

And if the hosts wanted a fast start after half-time, they received a nasty shock when prop Hameed Ajayi crashed over to extend Worthing’s advantage just two minutes after the restart.

However, Barnstaple reduced the arrears through a penalty try six minutes later as they searched for a way back.

Visiting full-back David McIlwaine stretched their lead once more, but missed the chance to convert his own score as he sent the kick wide of the mark.

Barnstaple replacement Ashlee Crouch ensured a nervy last couple of minutes for Worthing with an unconverted score to make it 22-29.

However, as the home side committed bodies forward, No.8 Liam Perkins dotted down to put the cherry on the cake for the visitors.