Shoreham kick off the new season with a win against Worthing Azurians

Shoreham 1st started the new season with a 17-11 win over local rivals Worthing Azurians in their Sussex 2 clash at Buckingham Park on Saturday.
The home side started strongly in a physical encounter, with a dominant set piece and scoring early with a try from a quick tap penalty by hooker Carl Pittaway. However, Shoreham were reduced to 14 men after a yellow card late in the first half, which Worthing took advantage. A series of breakdown penalties and some strong running close to the ruck saw Worthing equalise with a try.
Further indiscipline at the breakdown resulted in a penalty, taking Worthing into half time with an 8-5 lead.
Restored to a full complement, Shoreham were the better side coming out from the break with winger Ben French scoring a well worked try with some skilful interplay between forwards and backs.
Worthing kept themselves in touch with a converted penalty after Shoreham infringed again at the breakdown.
Shoreham then lost another man to the sin bin but this seemed to galvanise the team as they tightened up their forward play with a number of hard runs at the Worthing defence, culminating in Harry Rae scoring from close range.
Worthing were still within a converted try but a solid defensive spell allowed Shoreham to see the game out, winning 17-11.

Captain Daryn Clarke said: "It was a great way to start the season after all of the hard work the lads have been putting in at training. We had a new backline with two players making their debut so was pleasing to see how well they gelled. We showed some real strength in our set piece but have plenty to work on at the breakdown."

Coach Chris Reynolds said: “Our cover defence when line breaks were made was strong today. But going forward we need to be smarter at the breakdown to stop needless penalties which would have been punished by a side with a stronger scum and line out.”

1.Daryn Clarke (C) 2.Carl Pittaway 3.Mark Lavery 4.John Lewis 5.Harry Rae 6.Harry Chapman 7.Alex Hall 8.Nick Gray 9.Schaeff Potter 10.Chris Reynolds 11.Ben French12.Barry Trimm 13.Steve Robinson 14.Phil Sproston 15.Chris Hay 16.Paul Eyre-Walker

Man of the Match: Chris Hay

Shoreham 1st welcome Barns Green to Buckingham Park next Saturday.