Worthing kicked off and an error turned ball over to them immediately, then a high tackle penalty saw them kick to corner. Good lineout drill and they go over for a try that they convert; 7-0 to Worthing 90 seconds gone!
Dolphins set about their game and the pack began to dominate with a solid front row of Luke Marks, Kelton New and Nick Stoffel building a platform. Both sides traded penalties but on the 12 minute mark 5 phases created an attacking chance for Dolphins backs and an interchange between Rory Penfold(15) and James Wise(14) saw James squeeze in at the corner, 7-5. However; Worthing held out the Dolphins attack and a blindside break split the Dolphins open, try and conversion for Worthing, 14-5. Dolphins replied immediately from the kick off and 2 minutes late Will Double(4) pick up at the base of tackle and scrambled over for a try, converted by Jack Philips(9), 12-14. A dropped kick off again put Dolphins under pressure but pack put pressure on scrum and caused a turnover knock on scrum to Dolphins, great exit. 7 minutes later after a passage of phase play where Dolphins continued to establish their dominance with second row James Blackwell(5) making an impact and then Will Double drove over from lineout and Jack again converted, 19-14. From kick off interplay down the wing saw Chris Buckle go in in the corner, 14-24. For the remainder of the half they put pressure on Worthing but even when they crossed the try line they couldn't add points.
The second half saw them continue to dominate the opposition. Ash Wakefield(8) was tearing the opposition up in mauls and lineouts, ably assisted by Alfie Wainscroft(7 and Tyrese Kieta(6); Will Double was carrying at every opportunity. 7 minutes in to half Jonah North(replacement 11) set off from his 22 to touch down under the posts, Dillon Worsley(10) converted, 31-14 to Dolphins. 2 minutes later a phased attack saw Harry Rabjohn(12) finish off attack, again Dillon converted, 38-14. Dolphins were dominant and despite good attacks by the Raiders players they were kep out and in a counter attack captain Rory Penfold(15) opened his seasons account and again Dillon converted, 45-14. Dolphins used all of their 8 substitutions as they developed combinations for the season ahead. The slight disruption of the substitutions lead to a gap in defense that Worthing exploited, 45-21. Robbie Hume brought an abrasive game to the scrum half position and the new front row of Ethan Pernia, Tom Holloway and Joe Nolan kept Dolphins dominant in set pieces. Munashe Sakutukwa(replacement 7) was putting in powerful defensive hits. A strong run by James Wise got his second, 50-21. Discipline saw Dolphins reduced to 14 as Robbie got a Yellow Card and Worthing drove over, 50-28. Last play called and Dolphins made it clear they weren't done, several phases and James Wise completed his hat trick, 55-28 ... Final whistle.
A great start for Dolphins and lots for the selectors to consider for next weeks first league outing against Bournemouth.
First outings for the Dolphins for Ash Wakefield, Alfie Wainscroft, Dillon Worsley, Joel Macfarllane and Tyrese Keita, and of course new manager Arthur Rabjohn.