Portsmouth V Gosport & Fareham. Saturday 29th November, Counties 1 Hampshire League

The day was preceded by a Former Players Lunch which boosted the spectators on what was a rather wet and cold day to start with but fortunately the weather cleared by the time of kick off.

Gosport got proceedings underway and Portsmouth were straight into attack mode. After Gosport had given a couple of penalties away Portsmouth got clean ball from a line out and Tom Whitehouse, playing at 6, broke with the ball before linking with the backs. The ball eventually found its way to Matt Higgins, who had joined from fullback and with a good turn of speed he crossed the line to score out wide. Gareth Davies conversion hit the upright but bounced back into play so the score was 5-0 after 5 minutes. Shortly after this score Gosport were awarded a penalty which they duly converted taking the score to 5-3 on 10 minutes.

Gosport then lost their open side to a red card for stamping on a Portsmouth players’ hand. This was followed shortly after by a yellow card to a Gosport player for a no arms tackle on the Portsmouth scrum half. Portsmouth were in a pretty dominant mood and this saw 2 tries scored within 5 minutes of each other. The first was by winger Callum Grahamslaw who finished off a good 3’s move when he ran round his opposite number and scored close to the posts. Gareth Davies was on target with the conversion and the lead was now 12-3. The next try was from a penalty awarded to Portsmouth and taken quickly by Gareth Davies who shot through to score close to the posts, he converted his try and the score was now 19-3 with about 30 minutes gone.

As half time approached, Portsmouth were awarded a scrum and the ball was quickly spun to the 3’s who set up a good move which finished with Callum Grahamslaw racing through from just inside the half way line to score close to the posts, again Gareth Davies was on target and the score was now 26-3 as half time approached. This was Callum’s second score and Portsmouth’s 4th try giving them a vital bonus point. The half time whistle went shortly after.

Portsmouth got the second half underway and were soon on the attack again but it took 8 minutes to get the score board moving, this time for a penalty against the visitors. Gareth Davies was again on target and the lead was now 29-3. It looked to all intents and purpose that Callum Grahamslaw had scored his 3rd try when he took the ball around the halfway line and raced down the touch line, breaking 2 or 3 tackles on his way to score. But the Gosport touch judge had put his flag up for a foot in touch, the Portsmouth spectators on that side were adamant that he was 6″ inside the touch line but the ref had no option but to take the touch judges decision and the score was ruled out. So the score still stood at 29-3.

Gosport had been pressing the try line for periods of the second half but the Portsmouth defence held firm but eventually they did manage to find a gap and scored close to the posts. The try was converted and the score was now 29-10. Portsmouth, after defending for periods in the second half, finally broke free and Leo Wall took the final pass from around the Gosport 22 and breaking couple of tackles, he scored between the posts and the touchline. Davies was on target and the score was now 36-10.

Gosport did manage to get the final score from a 3’s move in which they broke through the Portsmouth defence to score their 3rd, try, taking the final score to 36-15. The final whistle went as the ball missed the posts.

The second half was rather disappointing after the dominance shown in the first half and they did seem to loose focus on occasions. They will need to sharpen up next week with a trip to Basingstoke who are currently in 3rd place on 31 points. Portsmouth have now moved up to 4th place on 28 points after today’s win. So next week promises to be a very hard game but one that they are capable of winning if they can produce the performance they are capable of.

TEAM
ALEX BUCK, BRAD ATKINS, LIAM AVIS
SAM FOSTER(C), TOBY WILSON
TOM WHITEHOUSE, SAM FLOYD, ANT FOOKS
DOM VUGLAR, GARETH DAVIES
JAY CHATHAM, SAM OLIE, LEO WALL, CALLIUM GRAHAMSLAW
MATT HIGGINS

BENCH
LEE CHANDLER, HENRI DAVIES, DOM BOURNE

Portsmouth v Andover, Saturday 22nd November, Counties 1 Hampshire League

Travelling to Andover is one of the longer away trips this season. Add to that the cold and persistent rain and it was not the most enjoyable of trips.
However to come away with a 10-15 win is a rarity in itself and certainly made the homeward journey a lot more pleasing. Added to that is the fact that the pitch has something like a 15′ fall from the far end to the clubhouse end and you can understand why it is not everyone’s favourite venue.

Andover kicked off but the ball didn’t go 10 metres so it was a Portsmouth scrum back on the halfway line and for a prolonged time the majority of play took place in the Andover half despite, or because of it, Portsmouth were playing uphill. Andover had a couple of forays into the Portsmouth 22 but some good defence kept them out. Portsmouth then set up an attack from the half way line and despite the wet and slippery conditions, spun the ball across the backs, eventually Jay Chatham took the final pass and be broke a couple of tackles to score his side’s first try. Matt Higgins was unable to add the extras so the score was 0-5 to Portsmouth with about 15 minutes gone.

More pressure from Portsmouth nearly gave them a second score but with the rain handling was becoming difficult as was keeping on your feet. Another attack from Andover was repelled and as Portsmouth got towards the halfway line the whistle went for half time with the score still 0-5 to the visitors.

The second half got underway with both teams trying to get the upper hand despite the difficult conditions. Eventually it was Andover who scored first through a quickly taken tap penalty, they were unable to add the extras so the score was now 5 a’piece with about 55 minutes gone. An excellent drive from the Portsmouth forwards saw them drive the opposition back 15/20 metres before Andover were then penalised for collapsing the maul. From a quickly taken tap penalty Portsmouth scored their second try through a good charge by Liam Avis. The conversion missed but they re-took the lead 5-10 on 60 minutes.

Andover then had a period when they were pressing for a score which eventually came taking the score to 10-10 on 75 minutes. The conversion missed. From an Andover lineout Portsmouth managed to steal the ball and they drove towards the line with Sam Olie taking the final pass to score their third try. Again the kick missed but they were now in the lead again 10-15 with about 5 minutes of full time left. The final whistle went following a kick to touch by the visitors and a very jubilant Portsmouth team deserved the praise from the Coaches.

This has not been a happy hunting ground for Portsmouth over the past few years so this victory was all the sweeter. They played some very good handling rugby despite the slippery conditions and an opposition pack that always gave as good as they got. A thoroughly deserved victory which sees Portsmouth move up to 5th place on 23 points, just 1 point behind Bournemouth 2’s. The whole squad played an important role in today’s win. Winchester 2’s beat Chichester 33-23 to go top.

Next week, Portsmouth welcome Gosport & Fareham, who beat Eastleigh away 14-34. Kick-off is 2pm with a very popular pre-match lunch available from 12:30pm.

TEAM
WILL ROLFE,(C). BRAD ATKINS, LIAM AVIS
SAM FOSTER, TOBY WILSON
HENRI DAVIES, SAM FLOYD, ANT.FOOKS
DOM VUGLER, MATT HIGGINS
JAY CHATHAM, SAM OLIE, LEO WALL, BRAD JEWER
ARCHIE CLEMENCE

BENCH
CHARLIE BODMAN, CALLUM GRAHAMSLAW, DOM BOURNE

Portsmouth v Eastleigh 2nds, Saturday 8th November, Counties 1 Hampshire League

The game was preceded by all teams playing at Rugby Camp lining up in front of the Club House in memory of Roy Harris, a proud Cornish man and Club legend of many years standing who sadly passed away last week aged 92. The funeral will be at Portchester Crematorium on Friday 21st.November at 10.00a.m. followed by the Wake at Portsmouth Rugby Club.

This was the first league match since October 18th when we lost narrowly to Guernsey 2nds, away and in some respects it showed. The cohesion they usually showed was not quite there and for the opening 10-15 minutes not a lot happened, both sides looking for dominance with Portsmouth just about having the upper hand. Jay Chatham at fullback made a great break and took play deep into the Eastleigh half before being tackled, He managed to get the ball away but as another attack started the final pass went into touch.

From an Eastleigh line out just inside their 22 Portsmouth managed to steal the ball and No. 8 Fooks was on hand to pick IT UP and ran through to score out wide. The kick missed and Portsmouth had an early lead 5-0 on 18 minutes. A couple of minutes later Fooks was again taking the ball into the Eastleigh half and a kick into the in-goal area saw
winger Tom Whitehouse, back in Portsmouth colours again, race through to win the race to touch down and score their 2nd try which Gareth Davies converted taking the score 12-0.

From the re-start skipper Will Rolfe took the ball and made good progress to the try line before being caught. He managed to off load the ball and Sam Olie was on hand to score close to the posts. Davies was successful with the conversion and the score now stood at 19-0 on 25 minutes. It was then the turn of Eastleigh to get on the score sheet following a period of pressure. Their conversion missed and the score was now 19-5 on 27 minutes. That score seemed to spur on Eastleigh as their confidence grew and they were rewarded with a second try which was converted taking the score to 19-12, just before half time. From a tap penalty Will Rolfe took the ball and shouldered his way to the try line giving Portsmouth a bonus point in the process taking the score to 24-12. The half time whistle went shortly after.

The second half got underway and penalties against the home side saw Eastleigh get close to the Portsmouth try line. Another penalty against Portsmouth saw Eastleigh take a quick tap and go and they ran through to score their 3rd try, which was mainly the result of poor tackling. The conversion was good and the score was now 24-19. The Portsmouth forwards were pretty dominant at scrum time and a good trundle to the line was just pushed into touch by some desperate action from the forwards, preventing a try.

Portsmouth soon made amends when they charged down an Eastleigh kick and Fooks was on hand to race through to touch down close to the dead ball line, Davies was again on target and the score was now 31-19, with about 5 minutes left. Following a penalty against Portsmouth, Eastleigh kicked to touch for a lineout. Portsmouth stole the ball and kicked to touch and the final whistle went with a bonus point victory to Portsmouth 31-19.

After the match Eastleigh were heard to say that they were generally please with the result bearing in mind some of the scores they have suffered this season.

This result sees Portsmouth move up 1 place to 6th, on 19 points just 1 point ahead of Andover who lost away to Guernsey 2nds, 23-15. Andover are 7th.
Bognor are top of the League after beating Winchester 2nds 48-24.
Our next game is in 2 weeks time when we travel to Andover, there are no fixtures next weekend.

TEAM
WILL ROLFE(C), BRAD ATKINS, LIAM AVIS
ELLIOTT WORRALL, TOBY WILSON
ALEX BUCK, SAM FLOYD, ANT FOOKS
ELLIOT DAVIS, GARETH DAVIES
TOM WHITEHOUSE, ALI MACDONALD, SAM OLIE, CALLUM GRAHAMSLAW
JAY CHATHAM

BENCH
LEWIS MURRAY, HENRI DAVIES, LEE CHANDLER

ROY HARRIS – RIP

12th December 1933 – 1st November 2025

Portsmouth RFC are sorry to announce the passing of their oldest club member Roy Harris. The word legend is used far too often these days, but Roy definitely was one and will be missed by his many friends and family.

Roy played scrum half for England Schools U15’s, Redruth, Plymouth Albion, Cornwall and Portsmouth! He also played cricket for Cornwall and Havant Cricket Club.

Before moving to Portsmouth in 1961 Roy’s last game for Redruth was partnering Richard Sharp the England fly half.

To no surprise Roy captained Portsmouth RFC in 1962/63 and continued playing into his 40’s, before becoming the first club coach in 1979. He was also heavily involved in Hampshire RFU, acting as Coaching Co-ordinator for a number of years.

Roy loved Portsmouth RFC and dedicated his life to the club for over 60 years. His children Jane and Mark would like to thank everyone for all their kind words and tributes, which they have received.

A minutes applause to celebrate Roy’s life will take place on Saturday 8th November before the 1st XV game against Eastleigh 2.30pm KO.

The funeral will take place at Portchester Crematorium on Friday 21st November 2025 at 10.00am. All are welcome to celebrate Roy’s life afterwards at Portsmouth RFC.

Members please wear club blazers.

Nigel Morgan
President Portsmouth RFC

Portsmouth v GUERNSEY 2nds, Saturday 18th October, Counties 1 Hampshire League

Due to a 6am start for the away game to Guernsey 2nds, there were a few changes to the team from last week as some players couldn’t leave so early due to work commitments and family arrangements. As I was also unable to travel this will be a very brief match report. Despite the changes the team put up a good fight and eventually lost what was a very close fought match 38-35.

They did however, come away with 2 bonus points which kept them in 7th place, This was Guernsey’s first win of the season which made the result rather disappointing for the players. We now don’t have a game until Saturday 8th November, when we play Eastleigh at Rugby camp. This will be a 2:30pm K.O.

Winchester 2nds. beat Gosport & Fareham 54-24 and are top of the table and still unbeaten.

TEAM:
ALEX BUCK, BRAD ATKINS, ADAM PARKS-DARE
LEWIS MURRAY, ELLIOTT WORRALL
HENRI DAVIES, SAM FLOYD, ANT FOOKS
DOM VUGLER, GARETH DAVIES
JAMES COLWILL, SAM OLIE, BRAD JEWER, JAY CHATHAM
JAS SOLANKI

BENCH
LEE CHANDLER, FINN PARRY, ARCHIE CLEMENCE

Portsmouth v Bournemouth 2nds, Saturday 11th October, Counties 1 Hampshire League

After a rather tentative start by both sides Portsmouth, through Henri Davies, managed to steal a ball at a Bournemouth scrum in the Portsmouth half. He raced away taking play into the Bournemouth half where Bournemouth were penalised and Gareth Davies put in a nice touch kick giving his side a 5 metre line out. Having secured the ball Portsmouth drove to the line and Matt Hoban crashed over for the first score of the match. The conversion missed and the score was now 5-0 after about 3 minutes. From the re-start Sam Foster leapt in the air to catch the ball and made ground before being stopped. The ball was laid back and Portsmouth drove for the line, with Fooks being attributed with the score. Gareth Davies was successful with the conversion and the score was now 12-0 with about 10 minutes gone. The Portsmouth pack was pretty much in control at scrum time but the Bournemouth backs were a much bigger threat. And so they proved when the scored their first points through their No.13 who side-stepped his way to the try line, touching down close to the posts. The kick was successful taking the score to 12-7 on about 15 minutes.

From the re-start Portsmouth won a penalty which was reversed due to dissent, giving Bournemouth a chance to clear their lines. However Portsmouth were soon on the attack again and this time it was Jas Solanki who stepped his way through the defenders for their 3rd try on 23 minutes taking the score to 17-7. The conversion missed. 2 minutes later it was the turn of Bournemouth to score their second try taking the score to 17-12. From the re-start Portsmouth took the ball up field with Matt Hoban taking the final pass. He made an aggressive run from around the 22 charging his way through defenders and eventually broke clear to score out wide. The conversion missed and the lead increased to 22-12 on 28 minutes. That was Portsmouth’s 4 try so the bonus point was in the bag. From a penalty against the home side, Bournemouth took a quick penalty and from about 6 metres from the try line and scored close to the posts, with the conversion good the score was now 22-19. And that was the score when the half time whistle was blown.

Matt Hoban was replaced at half time due to a ham string problem. His place was taken by Bryn Rainford making his first appearance this season. Portsmouth were continuing to dominate at scrum time, pushing the Bournemouth pack of their own ball. A good drive by Portsmouth stand in skipper, Billy Rolfe saw him take the ball and side step his way through the opposition and run round to dot down close to the posts. Gareth Davies was on target with his conversion and the lead was now 29-19 on 57 minutes.

Bournemouth then managed to intercept a pass and their second row broke clear but was hauled down by Jay Chatham who had to race from his wing. Unfortunately there was a Bournemouth support player outside the tackled player who took the final pass to score a converted try on 65 minutes. The score was now 29-26. This was then followed by 2 penalties on 70 and 73 minutes which saw Bournemouth firstly draw level then take the lead 29-32.

This seemed to awaken Portsmouth and a lovely kick by Gareth Davies following a penalty against Bournemouth saw Portsmouth have line out 5 metres from the try line. A series of pick and goes by Portsmouth kept being repelled by Bournemouth, when a sudden change by scrum half Alex Duffas, who had had a very good game throughout, saw him pass a quick ball to Gareth Davies who launched himself over the try line for that all important score to re-take the lead 34-32. His conversion missed and the final whistle went giving a victory and 5 points to Portsmouth.

It was good to see Alex Duffas back in Portsmouth colours, his pace and speed of passing were invaluable today. Second row Sam Foster also had a good game, it was a surprise to see so many re-starts from Bournemouth kicked in his direction as he rose high and took clean catches every time, making ground on each occasion. Alex Buck had a good game at No.8 and the forwards gave Bournemouth plenty of problems. The Bournemouth backs however were a different proposition and posed the biggest threat. Their left winger has apparently clocked a tad over 10 seconds for the 100 metres. I would hazard a guess that he is the fastest in our league. It was only frantic defence that stopped them using him to greater effect. Twice Portsmouth got marched back 10 metres for dissent and 1 penalty was reversed which they scored from.

This result sees Portsmouth move up 1 place to 7th. on 12 points. Millbrook beat Guernsey at home 44-33 to stay 1 place above us, also on 12 points but with a better points difference. Next week sees Portsmouth travel to Guernsey who are without a win this season so far. Winchester are top of the league unbeaten so far, with Basingstoke in second place having drawn away to Bognor 30-30.

TEAM
BILLY ROLFE, ANT FOOKS, LIAM AVIS
MATT HOBAN, SAM FOSTER
HENRI DAVIES, SAM FLOYD, ALEX BUCK
ALEX DUFFAS, GARETH DAVIES
CALLUM GREENSLAW, SAM OLIE, BRAD JEWER, JAY CHATHAM
JAS SOLANKI

BENCH
BRAD ATKINS, BRYN RAINFORD, MATT PILBEAM

Portsmouth v Millbrook, Saturday 4th October, Counties 1 Hampshire League

This is, I think, the first time these two teams have met. At least the rain held off but there was a very strong blustery wind blowing across the pitch which made kicking a bit of a problem.

Millbrook got proceedings under way and Portsmouth took play into the Millbrook half. A penalty and yellow card against Millbrook saw Portsmouth find a good touch kick 5 metres from the try line. Portsmouth set up a good catch and drive and they powered themselves over the try line for second row Lewis Murray to touch down for the first score of the day. The conversion missed and Portsmouth took an early lead 0-5 after 10 minutes. Portsmouth further increased their lead when Millbrook were penalised giving Portsmouth a kick at goal, this time Gareth Davies was on target taking the score to 0-8 with about 20 minutes gone.

Millbrook were beginning to give Portsmouth some problems with strong running from their forwards and following a Portsmouth kick to touch which gave Millbrook a lineout on the 5 metre line. Good defence by the visitors saw them hold out but eventually they spun the ball across their 3’s and despite more good defence they managed to squeeze in for a try in the corner. The conversion missed and the score was now 5-8 after about 25 minutes.

With play taking place between the 22’s Millbrook won a scrum close to the Portsmouth try line. As they won the ball which came out of the side of the scrum, their wing forward broke to gather but knocked the on and then kicked ahead to score. Unfortunately, the referee was on the other side of the scrum and he only saw the player touch down so he awarded the try despite protestations from Portsmouth. The try was converted giving Millbrook a 12-8 lead with a couple of minutes of the half remaining. Almost on half time Matt Hoban then got a yellow card and the half time whistle went shortly after. During half time the Ref did apologise to Portsmouth that he had given the wrong decision.

The second half started and Portsmouth set up a series of good attacks but eventually the final pass went into touch. Millbrook then very nearly increased their lead when following a Portsmouth attacking passing movement the final pass was not really on and was picked of by Millbrook who broke clear and there was only Brad Atkins and Brad Jewer in defence. Jewer tackled the ball carrier who then managed to ship the ball to a following player but Brad Atkins tackled him, by which time Portsmouth had got back in defence and the try was averted. There then followed a series of 5 metre lineouts which saw Portsmouth on defensive duties which they fulfilled time and again. A couple of times Millbrook butchered try scoring chances, but that was in part due to the pressure that Portsmouth put on them through their dogged defence.

Portsmouth then had a chance to close the gap when, from a defensive effort in their 22, centre Leo Wall suddenly got the ball and broke through the opposition and was tackled just short of the Millbrook line causing him to loose the ball and Millbrook were able to clear their lines. From more defensive work from the visitors suddenly it was full back Jas Solanki’s turn to set up an attack. He broke through the opposition and found Brad Jewer with him. A pass to Jewer saw him take the ball deep into the Millbrook half before passing back inside to Solanki who had followed play. He took the final pass and dummied his way through to score a vital try giving Portsmouth the lead 12-13 with the kick to come but the wind proved too strong and the ball drifted wide.

Portsmouth were then penalised after the re-start for not releasing the ball after the tackle. Another 5 metre lineout followed, but Portsmouth held firm, winning the ball and kicking it into touch as the final whistle went. A victory by the slenderest of margins but a win never the less. Much joy in the Portsmouth changing room afterwards.

The second half at one time looked as though it was going to be scoreless but obviously Portsmouth had other ideas. Millbrook are well drilled side with a couple of big second rows and a very useful backline who were dangerous at times.

This win sees Portsmouth in 8th place on 7 points, Millbrook are 1 place above, also on 7 points. Next week’s opponents are Bournemouth 2’s who lost to Winchester 2’s 43-22. They are in 6th place also on 7 points. Basingstoke top the league on 15 points and are unbeaten, beating Gosport & Fareham 43-15.

Portsmouth 2’s beat Overton 24-27. Portsmouth 2’s are in 3rd place in their league, with the top 3 all on 5 points. The 3rds game was cancelled as Chichester couldn’t raise a team.

TEAM
LIAM AVIS, ANT FOOKS, WILL ROLFE(C)
LEWIS MURREY, SAM FOSTER
ALEX BUCK, SAM FLOYD, MATT HOBAN
DOM VUGLER, GARETH DAVIES
CALLUM GRAHAMSLAW, SAM OLIE, LEO WALL, BRAD JEWER
JAS SOLANKI

BENCH
BRAD ATKINS, HENRI DAVIES, MATT PILBEAM

Portsmouth v Bognor, Saturday 20th September, National Cup

The game started in ideal conditions for free-flowing rugby and finished with a very wet ball due to light persistent rain, which made handling more difficult. Bognor have started the season with two league victories and Portsmouth with two close losses.
The game started at a fast pace. Portsmouth opened the scoring with a well worked try by Jay Chatham after a clever chip kick by Gareth Davies, also converted from in front of the posts. 0-7.

Bognor were soon level after weak first up tackling allowed their speedy left wing to score, which was converted. 7-7.
Unfortunately after 15 minutes Portsmouth lost their captain Aaron Beesley to a knee injury, which looks like a few weeks on the sidelines. Almost immediately Bognor scored again from 40metres and convert. 14-7.
By this stage the Portsmouth tight forwards are putting the Bognor eight under a lot of pressure, especially in the scrums. On 22 minutes Gareth Davies sends a good penalty kick into the corner resulting in a catch and drive for Elliott Worrall to score. A Gareth Davies conversion made it 14-14.

On 32 minutes a missed line out by Portsmouth bounced into the Bognor 10s hands who strolls over for their third try, with conversion missed. 19-14.
Unfortunately shortly afterwards a Bognor player suffered a serious looking neck injury in a tackle situation and after a short period of time the referee blew for half time and an ambulance was called. We moved pitches with the referee stating that the missing 6 minutes would be added onto the second half. Bognor looked very dangerous in the first half with their quick backs causing lots of problems for the Portsmouth defence.

The touch line expected more of the same in the second half with Bognor playing with a stiff wind at their backs. However the Portsmouth forwards had other ideas and denied Bognor the ball for much of the 55 minute second half. Injuries to centres Tim Rollett and Evan Watts (dislocated shoulder) meant more disruption for the backs, which had 4 changes from last week’s side, meaning second row Sam Foster playing centre.

With Bognor struggling to exit their half Gareth Davies kicked a penalty to bring Portsmouth within a kick as the persistent drizzle started. 19-17.
Portsmouth were dominating possession and position, but just couldn’t score. On 40 and 45 minutes Gareth Davies had two difficult penalty chances to put Portsmouth ahead, but both drifted wide with the wind. Bognor finally got into the Portsmouth half and a breakdown offence earned Alex Buck a yellow card. Shortly afterwards Bognor kicked a simple penalty and the game finished. Bognor 22 Portsmouth 17.

Next week there are no games as it’s the Women’s rugby World Cup final.

Team:
Solanki
Chatham
Rollett
Watts
Field
Davies
Vugler
Avis
Fooks
Rolfe
Worrall
Foster
Buck
Floyd
Beesley Captain
Replacements
Atkins
Murray
Pilbeam

Portsmouth v Winchester II, Saturday 13th September, Counties 1 Hampshire League

There was 1 change to the original selection for today’s game. Sam Foster came in on the bench in place of Lewis Murray. The pack was the same as last week but there were changes in the backs with Fraser Green unavailable , Ali Macdonald took his place at fullback and Harvey Field was working so his place was taken by Jay Chatham on the wing. Gareth Davies was also not available so Matt Higgins took his place at fly-half. Matt Hoban and Callum Grahamslaw came onto the bench.

Portsmouth got proceeding underway with a good kick downfield which Winchester collected and returned giving Portsmouth a line out between the 22 and 10 metre line. A knock on by Portsmouth gave Winchester a scrum and following a kick upfield Portsmouth had to defend their line, a kick downfield was returned by Winchester. Portsmouth then lost control of the ball and Winchester were quick to grab it and run through to score under the posts, the conversion was good and they took a 0-7 lead on 10 minutes. A kick from Winchester was left to bounce by Portsmouth and this was caught by a Winchester player who ran through to score near the posts. Again they converted extending their lead to 0-14 on 15 minutes.

From a line out in the Winchester 22 Portsmouth were able to set up a good attack which eventually lead to scrum half Dom Vugler side-stepping his way through to score out wide. The conversion missed and the score was now 5-14 on 20 minutes. Shortly after this, Portsmouth were able to close the gap a bit with a penalty taken by Matt Higgins making the score 8-14 on 25 minutes. Shortly after this, Winchester put a a high kick and yet again Portsmouth let the ball bounce and Winchester were quick to pounce on the ball and run through for their 3rd try which was converted thus extending their lead to 8-21 with about 10 minutes of the half remaining and that was the score as the half time whistle went.

The second half started with a penalty to Portsmouth on 43 minutes which Matt Higgins converted with difficult kick into the wind taking the score to 11-21. 2 minutes later Winchester had a penalty which they converted, increasing their score to 11-24. From a 5 metre scrum, Winchester broke wide and scored their 4th try – taking the score to 11-29. Portsmouth were now beginning to string some good moves together which were causing Winchester some problems. Following a penalty against Winchester, Portsmouth had a line out 5 metres from the try line, from a good catch and drive Will Rolfe barrelled his way over to score their 2nd try taking the score to 18-29.

Portsmouth were now playing well and this score was followed shortly with their 3rd try through Evan Watts following a good run. The score was now 23-29 on 65 minutes, with Portsmouth now realising that victory was within their grasp. However with Winchester taking the ball downfield and a line out about 6 metres from the try line Portsmouth had to put in a massive defensive effort to prevent them from scoring. It was then Portsmouth’s chance to score when the forwards drove over the line only for Winchester to get under the ball carrier. With only a few minutes left Portsmouth set up another good attack which saw Brad Jewer eventually take the ball down the blind side and raced round to score almost under the posts. Portsmouth needed the conversion to win but although the kick was on the 22 metre line and just to the side of the posts the gusting wind made it a difficult kick and the ball just went wide.

The score was now a tantalising 28-29. A scrum to Portsmouth saw them shoved off the ball for the first time in the match and with that their chance of winning went as the final whistle went. Their only satisfaction was that they did get 2 losing bonus points, but it could have been so much more. 3 gifted tries certainly didn’t help their cause, lets hope that lessons are learned.

The centre partnership of Evan Watts and Sam Olie is certainly on the up and will only get better. Scrum half Dom Vugler possibly need to get the ball away quicker but that will come as his confidence grows. All 3 subs made an impact when they come on and it was especially pleasing to see Callum Grahamslaw get his debut appearance for the 1’s. He has great pace and is very aggressive with ball in hand. It would be good if Jay Chatham saw more of the ball as he also has great pace. He was subbed on half time but he had only received about 3 passes in the time he was on.

Next week sees Portsmouth travel to Bognor for the first round of a new cup competition. Bognor beat Guernsey 2nds 71-14 so that looks likely to be a tough match. Andover beat Gosport & Fareham 13-41 and they top the table at present. Portsmouth have moved up to 8th.

TEAM
LIAM AVIS, ANT FOOKS, WILL ROLFE
ELLIOTT WORRALL, TOBY WILSON
ALEX BUCK, SAM FLOYD, AARON BEESLEY(C)
DOM VUGLER, MATT HIGGINS
BRAD JEWER, EVAN WATTS, SAM OLIE, JAY CHATHAM
ALI MACDONALD

BENCH
MATT HOBAN, SAM FOSTER, CALLUM GRAHAMSLAW

Portsmouth v Chichester, Saturday 6th September, Counties 1 Hampshire League

This is the first time for many years that Portsmouth have taken on Chichester. After last weeks win against Guildford 17-15 on a cold, wet and windy day, today was a complete contrast with sunshine and a warm breeze blowing across the pitch. This is the first League match of the new season.

Chichester got proceedings underway and a lineout to Portsmouth close the Chi. 22 saw Portsmouth drive them back towards the try line at a rate of knots. It looked as though Portsmouth were going to score through Liam Avis but he broke away from his support players and Chi. managed to get under the ball thus preventing a try. However that miss was soon forgotten when Will Rolfe picked up a loose ball and battled his way over the try line for the first score of the match, Gareth Davies adding the extras. 0-7 after about 6 minutes. However Chi. were soon on the scoreboard when they scored a converted try taking the score to 7-7 on 10 minutes.

Chi. went into the lead on 14 minutes with a converted try to make the score 14-7. This was followed with another try on 22 minutes taking the score to 19-7. From a Portsmouth scrum, fullback Frazer Green collected a quick pass and broke through the defence to score close to the posts, Gareth Davies was on target with the conversion and the score was now 19-14. However Chi. had the last word of the half with a converted try on half time taking the score to 26-14.

The second half started with a bang for Chi. as they scored a converted try on 42 minutes, taking the score to 33-14. However Portsmouth soon hit back with a try by Lewis Murray, making the score 33-19. A converted try by Chi. saw them extend their lead to 40-19 but Portsmouth were soon back on the attack and a score attributed to Alex Buck which saw Portsmouth with a losing bonus point, took the score to 40-24.

Another Chi. converted try saw them extend their lead to 47-24 The gap was closed again when Portsmouth scored a converted try making the score 47-31. Chi. had the final word with a converted try taking the final score to 54-31 as the final whistle went.

A disappointing day for Portsmouth, but it could be seen that Chi had been playing in a higher league last season as they were just a bit slicker than Portsmouth. Their backs were just that bit quicker in pace. The Portsmouth scrum gave a good account of themselves, helped by Will Rolf, prop, Lewis Murray and Elliott Worall, who was back from a long term injury from last season, both second row. The backs have also been strengthened by Evan Watts, and Fraser Green, inside centre and fullback. Scrum half Dom Vugler made his debut and once he has adjusted to the pace of the game and the calls, he will prove to be a useful asset.

Next week sees us welcome Winchester 2nds to Rugby Camp. They got promoted from the league below us last season so are a bit of an unknown quantity. Kick off is 3.00p.m.
Next weeks’ opponents beat Sandown & Shanklin away 29-37. Andover beat Eastleigh 52-14 and Basingstoke beat Bournemouth 2’s 45-22.

TEAM
LIAM AVIS, ANT.FOOKS, WILL ROLFE
ELLIOTT WORALL, TOBY WILSON
ALEX BUCK, SAM FLOYD, AARON BEESLEY(C)
DOM VUGLER, GARETH DAVIES
BRAD JEWER, EVAN WATTS, SAM OLIE, HARVEY FIELD
FRASER GREEN

BENCH
PHIL GILLILAND, LEWIS MURRAY, MATT HIGGINS