Worthing are still yet to secure their future in National League 2 after falling to relegation rivals Wimbledon in their penultimate game of the season.
Six second half tries from Raiders were enough to secure a bonus point as they fell 55-32 in their final away game of the season.
The loss leaves Worthing with work to do on the final day of the season as they face off against North Walsham.
Despite Raiders making a good start and controlling possession, Wimbledon took control early in the game and quickly racked up five first half tries, writes Chris Coulson.
Having converted their first try early on, the hosts continued to batter Worthing’s defence and stormed through for a 35-0 lead at the interval.
Beginning the second half Worthing found themselves in good attacking positions as the hosts conceded two penalties to put Worthing on the front foot.
Curtis Barnes opened the scoring for the visitors as he touched down wide on the left wing for Worthing’s first score.
Wimbledon responded for a score of their own and Worthing searched for a bonus point from a lineout in enemy territory.
Replacement forward Luke Wallace took the ball and set up a maul for Worthing to roll over the line uncontested for their second score. Flanker Joe Knight crossed the line for the try.
Worthing continued to claw themselves towards a losing bonus point and Ollie Crow broke from halfway to release winger Barnes for his second try, racing in from 25 metres out.
While Wimbledon kicked a penalty to stretch their lead, Raiders maintained their second half momentum with a scrum on the hosts five metre line.
Worthing’s packed steam rolled the opposing forwards back and Charlie Clare picked up from the base to tap down the bonus point try.
Despite the buoyed form Wimbledon punished Raiders’ mistakes, scoring another try to stretch the lead to 48-22.
But, with Worthing piling on the pressure, two yellow cards for the hosts created holes in the defence and saw Wimbledon give away more penalties.
A kick to the corner set up a catch and drive score for Will Gearing-Grief before Ben Featherstone added Worthing’s final try on the day in the same fashion just minutes later.
Wimbledon converted a try in the final minutes of the game to round out the scoring.
A bonus point for Raiders should see them safe from relegation, however losing to Wimbledon means they are yet to be mathematically safe.
Worthing remain three points above Wimbledon with one game to go – a home tie against bottom of the league North Walsham.
A win at home on the final day of the season would secure Worthing’s status in National League 2.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here