In their second pre-season trials game, Crawley took on the much fancied Worthing RFC Development side in searing heat at Willoughby Fields last Saturday. From the off no quarter was given by either side, and the game was played at a fast pace experimenting with players positions and training ground moves worked on over the summer.
Crawley took an early 3-0 lead courtesy of a penalty slotted home by Andy Evans, but Worthing replied with 2 well-worked tries from open play to lead 3 – 14. The youthful Crawley side remained calm and took every opportunity that came their way. Following a period of constant pressure on their goal line, Crawley hacked clear and Chris Ealey made a fantastic solo break running through 2 tackles, before gloriously side stepping the Worthing fullback to touchdown for a converted try. Worthing maintained fierce pressure however Crawley’s defence withstood the onslaught admirably. A further converted try scored by Guy Craddock who hacked the ball on from the half way and kept his composure to stay in front of the Worthing winger gave Crawley the day 17 –14.
First XV Coach Lawrence O’Brien commented “ I’m immensely pleased with our performance – especially our defence who held out under immense pressure, especially during the last 2 – 3 minutes. Unfortunately a Worthing forward had a back injury which necessitated an early end to the game by 2 minutes, and we wish him a speedy recovery”. |
