Storer’s back and has sights on promotion

Storer, who left the club in 2009, returned to Raiders over the summer after spells at Cornish Pirates and Ealing Trailfinders.

Now the front-row player is back at the club and is hoping his side can secure an immediate return to National 1 after last year’s relegation.

He said: “Obviously, after being relegated last season, it was really disappointing for the club.

“But, hopefully, we can make a good start to the season and then see how we go in National 2 South. It is not going to be easy as there are a number of good sides in the division who have spent money and are improved.

“But we will just focus on ourselves and give it our best shot at trying to secure promotion back into National 1.”

Storer was playing in National 1 with Ealing last season and is not fazed by dropping down into National 2 South to return to his former home at Roundstone Lane.

He said: “It’s great to come back to Worthing. I am originally from Brighton, so I can return home and, hopefully, have a really enjoyable season here.

“I have been away for five and a half years in Cornwall and Ealing, which was really enjoyable, but it’s great to be returning.

“Worthing was one of the first teams that I played for and I’m really looking forward to the season ahead.”

Worthing slipped to a 62-31 defeat in their only pre-season friendly against Richmond at Roundstone Lane two weeks ago.

Storer believes his side will need to improve on that performance when the new season starts on Saturday.

He added: “It was disappointing to lose against Richmond but a lot of it was down to mistakes from ourselves.

“Friendlies offer a good chance at game time and we are all looking ahead to the new season.”

Raiders get their National 2 South campaign underway on Saturday when they host newly-promoted Old Elthamians, with a 3pm start.