DRUMMING IT IN!

A STRANGE new sound echoed around the Roundstone Lane Ground on Saturday. At first, it was hesitant, and drowned by the applause for Worthing's first try, by Ben Coulson. But, as the spectators found their feet, as it were, each successive score produced an even louder metallic symphony. Until the ninth '” not by Beethoven but run in by Rowan O'Gorman '” was greeted with a wall of tympani drums.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Feb 2005, 12:28 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 00:58 BST

Yes, Worthing Rugby Club have their new stand. A steel structure with tiered metal flooring but constructed and bolted down only the previous day. But the supporters quickly realised its potential and stomped their way through half a century of points from the league leaders.

Better teams than Old Colfeians will come to fear a drubbing amid the drumming.

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The construction is officially the Bob Knight Memorial Stand, in memory of RH Knight CBE, who died last year. Appropriate to Worthing's score in front of its first appearance, Knight had been a player, captain, secretary, president and member for more than 50 years.

Commented current president, Charles Boughton-Leigh: "He did everything around the club in his time, from washing up to cutting the grass."

The stand also incorporates the memory of Gordon Pope, a member and well-known Sussex referee, to whom the former stand, now demolished, was dedicated.

The Bob Knight Stand has been paid for by members buying Golden Seats the best in the stand for 500, for lifelong use. Only two remain unsold.

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The first half was a fairly undistinguished affair, although Worthing were already virtually out of sight in leading 20-0 at the interval.

Colfeians did themselves no favours by conceding penalties even when moving forward. The aim of their rolling mauls seemed to be to deny Worthing use of the ball, rather than to do much with it themselves.

Pointed out Worthing coach Mick Orton: "We weren't doing what I wanted, so I had words at half-time."

The intention to use the centres as spearhead now worked well. Terry Butler and Jamie Stewart-McDonald combined effectively as, indeed, did the latter with his fellow New Zealander, O'Gorman. The No 8 also set up a 50-yard interpassing attack by the forwards, which resulted in a try by skipper Jody Levett. Just reward for the blindside flanker having to play out of position in the second row.

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Colfeians gained a consolation with the last move of the game, with a try for centre Stuart Lock, converted by Matt Townsend. But the stand was emptying; the Roundstone Rumble had subsided.

Worthing tries (9 '” highest in league this season): Ben Coulson, Jamie Stewart-McDonald 2, Simon Alcott 2, Gavin Stephens 2, Jody Levett, Rowan O'Gorman 2. Conversions: Coulson 3. Penalty goal: Coulson.

Rowan O'Gorman leads the try scorers with 17. Gavin Stephens moved to 14 on Saturday, Jamie Stewart-McDonald to 11 and Simon Alcott to eight.

Ben Coulson's four kicks and his seventh try of the season took him to 181 points.

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WORTHING: Taylor; Coulson, Butler, Stewart-McDonald, Stephens; Dudley, Imrie; Storer, Alcott, Nacagilevu, Levett, C.McGowan, Kirchell, Phillips, O'Gorman. Bench: Monoogian (Storer 68), Kimmer (Taylor HT), Davis.

Sutton & Epsom is Worthing's destination on Saturday.

Related topics:Worthing Rugby Club