McLean targets 3,000 points for Worthing

POTENT points scorer Matthew McLean scored his 150th try in 300 appearances for Worthing last weekend and is now targeting another landmark – 3,000 National League points.

McLean, 36, came into this weekend on 2,927 points after joining Worthing back in 2009.

The full-back is the most prolific points scorer in National Two South history, including three seasons as the division’s top points scorer, as well as being the league’s second highest try-scorer of all-time with 115 before the National Leagues were restructured for this season.

He said: “When given the opportunity to have a shot at goal I’ve been pretty consistent there. I’ve lived with that responsibility of having to kick the goals and the points for the best part of 14 seasons now with Worthing.

“I relish the challenge to put points on the board and because we are a very attack-gifted side we don’t opt for too many penalty goals so every conversion opportunity counts.”

Worthing play in the newly formed National Two East and went into this weekend in the top four after a strong start to the season with 11 wins from 17 games.

“We’ve got an identity in terms of the brand of rugby that we play, we like to try and be aggressive in defence in terms of our line speed and try to put pressure on teams to stop them playing and also with that aggressive nature it forces errors, particularly in their kicking games,” said McLean.

“We’re very good in loose, broken play and we’ve got a back three who punish any loose kicks on the counterattack. Those ingredients make us a dangerous outfit.”

The former Wales 7s player has had offers to play at a higher level but has been loyal to Worthing and looks likely to see his career out at the Sussex side. He said: “I’ve had opportunities to play elsewhere at National One and the Championship but I think I showed a commitment to the club and the club showed a commitment towards me.”