For others, there was the important matter of a Canterbury Shield League fixture, which is the very competitive league for 2nd XV's.

As I have said before, there are a number of players coming back from injury and this was a chance to give them some game time and continue to develop our patterns of play, as well as to improve match fitness.

On a lighter note, I think I can safely say that there was a mixture of youth and experience in the Worthing team on Saturday. It ranged from a former first-team captain, who has been retired for a couple of seasons now, who has decided over the last couple of weeks to lace up his boots again, and two players from Worthing Sixth Form College, who are regulars in the college's Academy teams.

It is fantastic to see, however, potentially players of the future playing alongside those who, shall we say, are a little more experienced in rugby terms.

The game itself was won 68-5, so the combination mentioned above obviously worked, especially with the first score coming in under a minute. However, the game was far from one-sided as the scoreline might suggest, and Portsmouth were always willing to play attacking rugby and on several occasions deserved to score.

Unfortunately, the game was finished a few minutes early due to a nasty clash of heads, which left both players looking very groggy. It was a sensible decision by the referee as, with the scoreline, there was little real reason to carry on.

Saturday brings us back into the league programme, with a visit from Dings Crusaders. I believe it is the first time the two clubs have met, certainly in a league fixture at least.

Dings have proved themselves to be a highly-competitive, well-organised team over the last few seasons and have maintained their National League status for several years, since their promotion from South West One.

They currently find themselves fourth after some convincing wins this year, and will come to us after an excellent win over second-placed Ealing at the weekend.

But, after our week off, the players are looking forward to getting back into the serious competition of the league and, after what can be only described as some very disappointing performances early on, we are looking to continue to make the improvements we have been making in our previous two outings.

The mood in the team is good and training has been positive, and we are looking forward to the challenge of the weekend. The period around Christmas is notoriously difficult, with disruptions and distractions, but we know we must start picking up points and quickly.

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Email the Herald: steve.bailey@worthingherald.co.uk