McLean’s pride at Raiders milestone moment

WORTHING’S Matt McLean etched himself into the record books as he registered his 3,000th National League point last weekend.

The 37-year-old reached the titanic landmark in Worthing’s 57-22 win over North Walsham, registering 12 points in the National Two East contest.

“It wasn’t something I was thinking I’d ever reach but it’s a proud moment to get there,” the full-back said. “You get a real sense of pride and achievement out of reaching those types of milestones.

“It was a massive occasion for me, I don’t think there will be many people who reach a landmark like that in their career.”

McLean was seven points shy of 3,000 going into the game and after slotting three conversions in the first half, he crossed the milestone with a conversion underneath the posts after the break to the delight of the home fans.

He said: “There was a huge roar from the crowd which was really nice, and it was a relief to have an easy one to get me across the line.

“I hadn’t intended to make any celebration after making the kick but after hearing the noise from the crowd I felt obliged to recognise them and pulled out the old Alan Shearer, one hand in the air celebration!”

Playing in his 14th season for the club having joined in 2009, McLean expressed that his competitive nature has been a constant driver and allowed him to maintain high standards over the years.

He said: “The fire has never gone out for me, both physically and mentally. I’m ultra-competitive and I’ve always got this burning desire that no matter what it is I try my hand at I need to be the best.

“If somebody else within the league is kicking really well and challenging me in the points leaderboards, it’s something that I look at and think I need to get myself back up to the top and I’ll go away and work on the things that allow me to do that.”

McLean is currently the third-highest points scorer in the National Two East this season, just four points adrift of the lead.