RUGBY: Worthing captain James Arthur's weekly column (December 17)

Back to replace him, fresh, after a number of weeks away, was Rob Smith. We also saw the return of Joe Govett onto the wing and Paul Dunckley into the centres.

Henley are probably one of our closest matched rivals in the league.

Going into the game Worthing were ahead, but a loss would see Henley go above us.

What started out as a cold, crisp day turned into another mud bath as the rain came in at the start of play.

We had the majority of possession, defending well, but a repeated team offensive saw us down to 14 men and we conceded seven points.

Our pack dominated the game, which meant Henley were not able to play their game of running rugby.

Unfortunately, the kicking game wasn't going our way and we failed to capitalise on the opportunities given to us during play and, as a result of missed kicks, we lost out on 15 points.

Listening to a number of the Henley supporters after the game, we were considered the better team but couldn't capitalise on our chances.

In a game that could have gone either way, we were very frustrated to come away with a loss.

However, we did secure a losing bonus point, which means we sit level on points with Henley, although they've now moved ahead of us on points difference.

The middle of the table is very close with one team being able to drop or move from seventh to 13th with a win or a loss.

We are bitterly disappointed, and will learn from the mistake made in the build-up to this match which, rather than focusing on the game in hand, we were looking back at the good result the week before and almost took it for granted it would happen again '“ an error that will not reoccur.

On a lighter note, I would like to congratulate fly-half Ben Dudley for joining the elite 30s club and, as a consequence, bringing the average age of the team up.

It was a event celebrated long into the evening and I'm sure he had a great time '“ from what he can remember.

This week, we face Shelford at home, which is shaped to be another tough match. We hope as many of you can make it down to support us in our last match of the year.

-------------------------------------

Click here to go back to Worthing sport.

Click here to return to Gazette sport.

Click here to go back to Shoreham sport.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: [email protected]