Colts Match Report

Winchester Colts 12 v Portsmouth Colts 18

Sunday 11th November 2007

Reduced to 14 men after 10 minutes, Portsmouth fought back from an early setback to record a great win at Winchester.

Portsmouth won the toss and elected to play uphill in the first half. An early error led to Winchester gaining an early lead with a drive over try which went unconverted. Then came some indiscretion which resulted in a sending off, reducing Portsmouth to 14 men. This galvanised the Portsmouth team who re organised themselves and then proceeded to play with great guts and determination. A rare raid into the Winchester 22 led to a good Portsmouth try scored by inspirational skipper John Chambers, converted from the touchline by Mike Haggard. This gave Portsmouth the half time lead of 7 points to 5.

A few changes at half time to freshen up the legs were needed. This proved to be the point as Winchester threw everything at Portsmouth at the beginning of the 2^nd half. Great defensive organisation kept them out. A quick break out led to Winchester giving a penalty away which was converted by Mike Haggard. Another Haggard penalty gave Portsmouth a 13 points to 5 lead. Then came Portsmouth’s move of the match. Sweeping from one side of the pitch to the other they created an overlap and winger Phil Belcher scored an unconverted try to give them an unassailable lead of 18 points to 5. Winchester did score a consolation converted try with the last move of the match.

This was a great performance by the Portsmouth squad. Winchester isn’t the easiest of places to visit at the best of times, but winning with 14 men is just fantastic.

Scorers:

Tries: Phil Belcher, John Chambers

Conversions: Mike Haggard

Penalties: Mike Haggard (2)