Miles believes first Raiders win is not far away

WORTHING Raiders Rugby Club captain Matt Miles believes their first victory in National 1 is just around the corner.
Raiders in action at Doncaster KnightsRaiders in action at Doncaster Knights
Raiders in action at Doncaster Knights

Raiders were undone at full-time side Doncaster Knights – who were relegated from the Championship last season – on Saturday in a 38-17 defeat which saw them herald no bonus points for the first time this season.

A frustrated Miles has had to watch from the sidelines so far after breaking his arm last season, but is targeting a comeback in the next few weeks.

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The Raiders skipper is adamant there is no panic at all in the camp after three straight defeats as the Roundstone Lane outfit has proved in their performances they can mix it in the third tier.

The hooker is keen, however, for Worthing to start showing the belief they showed going into games last season.

He said: “Saturday was always going to be a tough task as they are a full-time, professional outfit.

“We haven’t started too well in matches and I think that fact is because we do not believe quite how good we are.

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“We need to go into games with more confidence. We went into games last season knowing we could win and knowing we were good enough, when that comes they’ll be some major upsets this season.

“There is no worry as the way we have finished games, shows a win is just around the corner, but the players need to believe that and keep their chins up.”

Miles is targeting either Loughborough Students or Tynedale as his comeback game in early October and the captain added: “The moment the season kicked off, from the first game I have been chomping at the bit.

“The physios have really had to bring in my reins and make sure it’s not too early.”

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Raiders now travel to Flyde on Saturday where Worthing head coach Kieron Dawson faces off against former England coach Brian Ashton.

He said: “I’ll get to see my old mate Brian, who was Ireland coach when I got my first cap in 1997.

“We both like to play rugby the same way so it should be a great spectacle.”