Dawson delighted with Worthing’s spirit

Raiders recorded their first win of the season, at the second attempt, in National 2 South, following a 19-16 triumph over Old Elthamians at Roundstone Lane.

That was the ideal response for Worthing after they slipped to a 31-18 defeat at Clifton on the opening day.

Saturday’s success was not the best rugby Raiders have played but Dawson was pleased with the way his team came through and said: “It was a great victory for us and I was particularly impressed with the nature of it.

“We had to fight for everything in the game, so it was very pleasing to come out with a win.

“Old Elthamians are very good and, on paper, they should be beating us with some of the players they have recruited.

“We were missing a few through injury and unavailability but in the end our sheer dog and determination got us through.

“To come away from this match with a win against a side who were predicted as pre-season league favourites is superb.”

Raiders travel to Barnes for their next league fixture on Saturday and Dawson sees it as a winnable clash.

He added: “On paper, that is a game we should win but rugby is played on a pitch and we will take nothing for granted.

“They are a bit of an unknown quantity so we will go there and give it our best shot and, with a couple coming back, we have a good chance.”

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