Raiders will be boosted by McGowan’s return

WORTHING Raiders Rugby Club look set to be boosted by the long-awaited return of Charlie McGowan on Saturday.

Raiders travel to unbeaten, third-place side Rosslyn Park searching for their second win of the season in their debut National 1 campaign.

McGowan is back available for selection after a being hit with a 12-week ban towards the end of last season – although is likely to just be on the bench this weekend.

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The second-rower was suspended for eye-gouging at Launceston and received the lengthy ban, despite the RFU accepting his actions were in self defence.

The club made no bones about the fact they felt the ban was harsh even though an appeal at the time saw it reduced from 14 to 12 weeks.

It meant McGowan, who is one of Raiders’ most senior players, missed out on their crucial final-day title decider at Henley, their promotion-winning play-off at Stourbridge, and their historic first game in National 1.

Raiders captain Matt Miles said: “It’s a tough league and you have to realise it’s not an individual game and you have to play as a team, but’s its going to be good to have him back.

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“He’s a big asset and he’s chomping at the bit. He’s been training hard and is looking in good shape.”

n Worthing head coach Kieron Dawson was left frustrated by last Saturday’s home defeat by Esher. Match report, reaction and pictures on page 120.

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