Trojans Academy took to the pitch wearing their new Match Shirts kindly sponsored by Taylor Wimpey looking smart and ready for action in their first fixture of the 17/18 season.

Following last season’s campaign the Academy were looking to carry the momentum forward into this season against a Worthing side sadly affected by a number of late drop outs.

Facing into the elements in first half Trojans kicked off. With the forward’s quickly into the Trojans pushed forward with attacking intent however missed two chances to score as the final pass went down.

With the effervescent Sam T taking every opportunity to use the forwards and Tom KO setting the tempo releasing the backs whenever he could Worthing were constantly on the defensive.

From the Worthing line-out Tom N proved to be a constant nuisance stealing the ball and enabling Trojans to clear their lines or launch an attack.
Deep in Worthing territory the Trojans forwards drove the ball forward with the result being Will B crossing the line to score; 5-0. TKO missed the conversion however the fierce winds were causing mayhem with kicks.

Trojans pressed forward from the kick off gaining territory and closing the space available to Worthing. Once again a cross field move created by the forwards led to Ben S releasing Josh G to score in the corner with Josh R running a great support line.
10-0.

Worthing came back with their no 10 showcasing his kicking range pushing Trojans deep back into their own half. The Worthing centres put in a hard shift facing the Trojans attackers down and forcing turnover at key moments.

The Trojans pack once again drove forward with Louis P making a number of dynamic carries. Close to the Worthing line Trojan probed for gaps with Tom KO taking flight to dive over and score.
15-0

Conscious of the narrow gap on the scoreboard Trojans moved forward with intent from the kick off.
From a line out on the LH side they recycled the ball through several phases creating a platform for Ben S to move the play right with the end result being Nick E powering his way over the line taking several Worthing forwards with him to score a well-deserved try.
20-0.

Worthing regrouped and started carrying the ball deep into Trojans territory but the aggression of the Trojans forwards notably the props stopped them in their tracks. Trojans won the ball back and launched a counter attack and some swift running saw them across the halfway line freeing up Sam T 40 metres out with 2 Worthing defenders to beat. The great support line run by Tom N enabled Sam to cut inside and score under the posts. Josh G converted.
27-0.

An injury saw Worthing reduced to 14 players and Trojans matched their opposition. A determined run by the powerful Worthing wing saw him beat 3 Trojans defenders to score in the corner for a deserved try.
27-5.

Halftime score 27-5.

Trojans shuffled the pack at half time allowing all players to get game time. Tommy L and Sam HC soon made their presence felt with several carries gaining territory each time. Worthing were now back to 15 players.

Disappointed at letting Worthing score the Trojans team started the second half in determined mood with the wind at their backs. Once again the home team attacked creating attacking platforms and recycling the ball as they gained territory.
Tom KO released Ben S who nimbly cut through the Worthing defence in a light footed manner to score. With the subsequent conversion the score moved to 34-5.

Harvey W launched an attack down the RH flank passing the ball to Sam W who released scrum half Harry J to score with Josh G converting.
41-5

With both sides now lacking structure the game spread out. Deservedly the impressive Louis P scored a try with a powerful run to take the score to 46-5. Shortly afterwards Will B scored his second of the game to take the score 51-5.

Both sides applauded each other off the pitch at the end of a game which provided both sides with a good work out and enabled the Academy team to play their first game together as a team.

There were many positives to draw from the game but a huge amount of work to do in key areas as the Academy continues to set ambitious standards and enjoy their rugby with each squad member also getting quality game time.

Afterwards the Academy got to hear MOM Nick E 's rendition of Wonderwall ably supported by Tom N and Will B.

Trojans Academy now travel to France where they are proud to be Hampshire’s representatives at The Rugby Players Memorial Festival 2017.