BOTH clubs were in search of a win after a string of defeats in National Two South, and Tonbridge Juddians were left with another feeling of what-if.
TJs started the brighter of the two sides and took the lead in the early exchanges as Greg Langridge finished off excellent approach work and Nathan Holmes slotted the extras.
Worthing hit back quickly with two converted tries as they controlled -territory.
A scrum penalty enabled them to stretch the lead to 17-7 at the break and TJs needed to rally.
The Tonbridge side have shown they can make significant improvements in the second half.
A bright start was capped by a Hugo Watson try to close the gap to 17-12 and the tension began to mount.
Will Colderick crossed for TJs and Holmes converted to edge in front at 19-17 with 15 minutes to go.
TJs had a strong foothold in the -Worthing half but the hosts managed to escape with a series of penalties before slotting one of them to go 20-19 in front.
Worthing stayed upfield and on the front foot, securing another penalty to seal a much-needed win for them – and consign TJs to their fifth defeat on the bounce. A losing bonus point was little consolation on the journey home.
Tonbridge are on the road again on Saturday [November 4] at Broadstreet in Coventry [kick-off 2.30pm].
