Portsmouth v Bognor, Saturday 11th April, Counties 1 Hampshire League

This was a very important game for Portsmouth who only held a slender 2 point lead before today’s game, in the race to finish top of the league. There was a very strong and cold wind blowing across the pitch which was going to make this a game of 2 halves.

Bognor won the toss and elected to play into the wind, which meant that Portsmouth would have to score as many points as they could before the turn around. Portsmouth certainly set out with that intent, putting Bognor under early pressure. a line out about 7 metres from the try line saw Portsmouth set up a good catch and drive but they were stopped just short of the line, however a quick recycle saw the ball spun out wide, a quick change in direction saw them move the ball back and Brad Atkins crossed for a try out wide. Or so we all thought, however the ref had seen a knock on as he grounded the ball so the try was disallowed. That setback was quickly forgotten when Will Rolfe drove for the line to open the scoring. Gareth Davies managed to convert a difficult kick and Portsmouth were leading 0-7 after 3 minutes.

Another chance went begging when Matt Hogan had the opportunity to score but the pass to him was rather blown off course and the ball went into touch. Bognor were now getting into the game and from a maul they got the ball back and ran through unopposed for their first try but this was also disallowed by the ref. Matt Hoban was also carded for pulling the maul down so Portsmouth were now down to 14 although they still held the lead. Eventually Portsmouth strung a good move together involving Brad Atkins who made good ground before passing to Tawanda Matipano, who, having made good yardage, passed to Callum Grahamsmith who side stepped his way the score close to the posts, Unfortunately Davies’s kick went just wide so the score was now 7-12 with about 8 minutes of the half remaining. Bognor then scored almost on the stroke of half time with an unconverted try taking the score to 12-12 as half time arrived.

With Portsmouth now playing into the wind the feeling was that they hadn’t really done enough in the first half. Elloitt Worrall came on at half time in place of Bryn Rainford, Brad Jewer was on for Callum Grahamslaw, and Alex Buck was on for Henri Davies. Shortly after the re-start Portsmouth lost Elloitt Worrall to a yellow card for offside. By now Worrall was back on and Portsmouth were doing well against the wind but it was Bognor who opened the second half scoring when they ghosted through to score out wide, the result mainly of poor tackling. They now took the lead 17-12 on 60 minutes. To their credit Portsmouth never eased off the pressure but they just couldn’t get through the Bognor defence which was very strong. What also didn’t help Portsmouth was passes not going where they were meant to. There was a situation where Portsmouth had worked the ball up field and there was a 2 on 1 in Portsmouth’s favour but the final pass didn’t find its target so a good chance went begging. 10 minutes from time Bognor put the result to bed with a converted try taking the score to 24-12.

Portsmouth just couldn’t get the scoring chances that they needed to close the gap, even a bonus point could be vital at the end of the season. Eventually the final whistle went with a victory to Bognor 24-12. This result sees Bognor move to top of the table on 78 points and Portsmouth 2nd on 76 points. Basingstoke 2nds lost to Guernsey 2nds, 25-36, and are 3rd on 72 points. Gosport & Fareham beat Chichester 24-21. Chichester play Bognor next week so a win for then would do us a favour provided we can beat Sandown & Shanklin next week. Sandown lost to Basingstoke 21-27, they are 5th. on 60 points. The Portsmouth pack gave a good account of themselves and second row Sam Foster had a good many rampaging runs, making good yardage in the process, also hooker Brad Atkins carried well making good yards in the process. Rather like the Basingstoke game Portsmouth were again not at their best which makes it all the more frustrating. Ideally Portsmouth need two 5 point wins from these last games but also hope that Bognor slip up on one of their games.

TEAM
WILL ROLFE(C), BRAD ATKINS, LIAM AVIS
SAM FOSTER, BRYN RAINFORD
HENRI DAVIS, SAM FLOYD, MATT HOBAN
DOM VUGLER, GARETH DAVIES
CALLUM GRAHAMSLAW, SAM OLIE, LEO WALL, JAY PACKHAM
TAWANDA MATIPANO

BENCH
ALEX BUCK, ELLIOTT WORRALL, BRAD JEWER

Portsmouth v Basingstoke, Saturday 28th March, Counties 1 Hampshire League

This was always going to be a hard match and so it proved. A good crowd braved the rather cold north westerly wind that cut across the pitch, but at least the rain stayed away.

Portsmouth got the match underway and soon had Stoke under pressure. From a penalty against Stoke, a kick to touch from Gareth Davies saw
Portsmouth with a line out around 7 metres from the try line, Securing good ball Portsmouth drove to the line and it was skipper Will Rolfe who broke off and charged his way over the line for the first try of the match. The conversion missed but they were in front after about 2 minutes 5-0.

This lead was rather short lived as Stoke soon hit back with a converted try to take the lead 5-7 after 7 minutes. This lead was increased further when they scored their second converted try making the score 5-14. Callum Grahamslaw then put in a good run side stepping his way towards the try line but eventually he got checked and lost the ball forward out of his carrying hand. A similar occurrence happened to Stoke when one of their players got challenged by a Portsmouth player and he also lost control of the ball.

Stoke increased their lead with a third converted try taking the score to 5-21. Portsmouth then managed to close the gap with a try by Ant Fooks following good work by Will Rolfe and Alex Buck. Davies was able to add the extras so the score was now 12-21. Jay Chatham was then yellow carded for a high tackle. A penalty against Portsmouth for not rolling away from the tackled player saw Stoke further increase their lead to 12-24. Half time came shortly after. Two of those tries came as a result of poor defending which was so annoying as usually their defence was very good. A lot of the first half also saw too many uncharacteristic mistakes which certainly didn’t help the Portsmouth cause.

The second half got underway with Portsmouth making changes, Tom Whitehouse came on for Sam Floyd, Adam Parks-Dare was on for Alex Buck and Brad Jewer was on for Jay Chatham. From a Portsmouth scrum in the Stoke 22 Portsmouth they spun the ball out wide and Tawanda Matipano took the final pass to score in the corner. The conversion missed and the gap was now 17-24 with 44 minutes gone.

Portsmouth were giving a better performance in the second half and were playing more in the Stoke half, helped no doubt by a combination of some good kicking with a following wind. Their efforts were well rewarded when Fooks ran through to score to the side of the posts. The conversion missed and the score was now 22-24 with about 6 minutes left, This was also their 4th try so yet another bonus point was achieved.

The Stoke restart went straight out then a Stoke lineout was pinged for not straight. From the scrum Portsmouth moved the ball to Davies and he attempted a miss-pass which unfortunately was rather telegraphed and Stoke were up so quickly they were able to intercept and with Portsmouth moving up to attack, the Stoke player had a clear run in under the posts for their 4th bonus point try taking the score to 22-31.

There was a bit of confusion in the Stoke team when they thought the game was over as they put the ball into touch but the Referee had other ideas. From the lineout Portsmouth tried to salvage something but the ball got into the hands of Stoke and this time as they kicked to touch the final whistle did go. Thus their unbeaten run of 12 games came to a disappointing end. The last try was rather against the run of play in the second half especially when they had got the score back to 22-24, but that is sport for you.

Portsmouth still remain top of the league but with Bognor beating Gosport & Fareham 77-17 they are in second place and now only 3 points behind us and Bognor is the next fixture in 2 weeks time at their ground. All to play for then, it would be great to see good Portsmouth support on the touch line for this fixture. There is a break next week.

Other results
Andover lost to Sandown & Shanklin 28-29, Andover are now 4th.and Sandown & Shanklin are 5th. Chichester had a home walk over against Eastleigh and Guernsey 2nds beat Winchester 2nds 48-22.

TEAM
WILL ROLFE, BRAD ATKINS, ALEX BUCK
SAM FOSTER, ELLIOTT WORRALL
HENRI DAVIES, SAM FLOYD, ANT.FOOKS
DOM VUGLER, GARETH DAVIES
CALLUM GRAHAMSLAW, SAM OLIE, LEO WALL, JAY CHATHAM
TAWANDA MATIPANO
BENCH
ADAM PARKS-DARE, TOM WHITEHOUSE, BRAD JEWER

Portsmouth v Gosport & Fareham, Saturday 21st March, Counties 1 Hampshire League

Portsmouth, after the disappointment of last week’s loss to Basingstoke in the Cup Semi-Final, the first loss after 12 consecutive league wins, very much wanted to get back to winning ways again. Gosport away is not always the easiest place to win away from home but they showed that they were very capable of doing just that with a 5 tries to 4 win, the biggest difference being Portsmouth’s conversion of all 5 tries by Gareth Davies against Gosport’s 1 conversion and a missed penalty.

Gosport got proceedings underway and within 5 minutes had taken an early lead with a penalty after Portsmouth had transgressed, giving them a 3-0 lead . Portsmouth, from a lineout, took the ball through Brad Atkins who made ground before passing to Alex Buck who scored out wide. Gareth Davies was on target with the conversion and they were now in the lead 3-7 after 10 minutes. With about 10 minutes of the half left Portsmouth extended their lead following a move which saw the ball being passed to Callum Grahamslaw on the wing, and he managed to step his way through about 3 defenders before accelerating away to score under the posts. Davies was again on target with the conversion and the lead was now 3-14.

Gosport then showed they could also score tries when they touched down twice in fairly quick succession, the first was converted, the second came as a result of an intercept which saw them score close to the posts but the conversion missed. This saw them retake the lead 15-14. Portsmouth were soon back on the attack when from a quickly taken tap penalty by Will Rolfe the ball got moved to Sam Olie, who despite the attention of 2 Gosport defenders, managed to drive over the line and again Davies obliged with the conversion taking the score to 15-21 as the half time whistle went.

The second half started with Portsmouth making three of changes, Brad Jewer on for Callum Grahamslaw, Elliott Worrall for Bryn Rainford, and John Pearson on for Alex Buck. Next on the score sheet was Jay Chatham who following a good backs move, took the final pass and still with a bit of work to do, outpaced the opposition to run round and dot down under the posts. Davies was again on target and Portsmouth now took the lead 15-28. This was the fourth try giving them that all important bonus point.

From a scrum close to the Portsmouth try line, Gosport broke open and scored their 3rd try taking the score to 20-28. Shortly after this they missed a penalty from in front of the posts. As the game was drawing to a close, skipper Will Rolfe took a quick tap penalty and drove for the line with defenders hanging on as he touched down for their 5th.try. Again Davies was on target and the score was now 20-35. Gosport had the last say with a try in the dying minutes taking the final score to 25-35.

This result was perhaps closer than it should have been but as Steve Cameron said after the game, any win here is a good win!
Next week sees Portsmouth take on Basingstoke in what promises to be a very hard close fought match.
Portsmouth on 75 points, still have a 7 point lead over second place Bognor who beat Eastleigh 8-50. Basingstoke are third after defeat by Andover 28-37. They are on 62 points. Andover are 4th. on 59 points

TEAM
WILL ROLFE(C). BRAD ATKINS, LIAM AVIS
SAM FOSTER, BRYN RAINFORD
ALEX BUCK, SAM FLOYD, ANT.FOOKS
DOM VUGLER, GARETH DAVIES
CALLUM GRAHAMSLAW, SAM OLIE, LEO WALL, JAY CHATHAM
MATT HIGGINS

BENCH
JOHN PEARSON, ELLIOTT WORRALL. BRAD JEWER

Portsmouth v Basingstoke, Saturday 14th March, Cup Semi Final

As this was originally a blank weekend one or two players had taken the week off. However the team that took to the field had a good feel about it.

As I (Jim Dixon) was away this Saturday due to a commitment I had made several weeks ago when I also thought this was a blank weekend I am unable to submit a detailed report. Suffice to say it doesn’t make for good reading because they lost not only the match but also their unbeaten run.

The half time score was 31-5. The second half appeared to show them in a more competitive mood loosing by 15-12 which saw the final score as 46-17.

Apparently not the best performance, certainly in the first half, but much better in the second half. Scrum-half Harry Drew, making his first team appearance for a considerable time put in a good shift and Matt Pilbeam playing his first start wearing the 10 jersey acquitted him self well although there was a bit of inexperience showing on occasions.

They did loose Sam Floyd to a yellow card for 10 minutes. Portsmouth’s scorers were as follows, Brad Atkins, Harry Drew, Matt Higgins, with one conversion by Matt Pilbeam.

Next week sees Portsmouth return to League matches with an away game to Gosport & Fareham.

TEAM
ADAM PARKS-DARE, BRAD ATKINS, JOE BENNITTS
SAM FOSTER(C) ELLIOTT WORRELL
ED MILFORD, SAM FLOYD, ANT.FOOKS
HARRY DREW, MATT PILBEAM
CALLUM GRAHAMSLAW, ALI MCDONALD, LEO WALL, COLWELL
MATT HIGGINS

BENCH
LIAM AVIS, IAN FRENCH, DOM VUGLER

Portsmouth v Andover Saturday 7th March, Counties 1 Hampshire League

This was always going to be a close match and so it proved to be. With their 2 front line props out of action it was up to the front row of Alex Buck, Joe Bennitts and Adam Parks-Dare to make sure they held their own against a very large pack.

Andover got the game underway and No.8 Ant Fooks caught the ball and made about 15-20 metres before passing to Henry Brown on the right wing who also made ground. A kick upfield was fielded by Andover and a kick downfield which seemed quite ordinary initially, was caught by their left winger at pace and he ran through unopposed to dot down under the posts, the conversion was good and with about 2 minutes gone they took the lead 0-7.

From the re-start centres Sam Olie and Leo Wall took play upfield. From a Portsmouth lineout, Toby Wilson rose up to take a clean catch and with Fooks peeling off the lineout with the ball he raced through to score Portsmouth’s first try out wide. As Gareth Davies lined up to take the kick an Andover player run towards the ball, almost stopped and then ran on again to kick the ball clear. Although Davies hadn’t started his run up to take the kick, the referee judged that he had moved his upper body a fraction. So the score was 5-7. Shortly after this Portsmouth then lost Sam Floyd to a yellow card for a no arms tackle.

With his 10 minutes served Floyd was back on the pitch with no added score from Andover due in part to a very robust defence. As half time loomed Andover had pinned Portsmouth on their 5 metre line and set up about five 5 metre scrums, the last of which saw Portsmouth pushed up against the post on their try line. The Referee stopped the scrum and moved it away from the post but not before he had carded Sam Olie for a team offside offence. From the re-set scrum, Andover moved the ball wide realising that there was one less in the back line. Spinning the ball wide they crossed for their second try but the conversion hit the upright and bounced back out leaving the score at 5-12 as the half time whistle went.

The second half started with Portsmouth in good attacking mood. As the half progressed so Portsmouth were using their backs to greater advantage with good runs from full back Jay Chatham. Following a period of pressure, Portsmouth took a tap penalty which looked initially as if they were going right but suddenly changed direction to the left. The ball was spun across the backs and eventually centre Leo Wall sliced his way through the opposition and ran through to score out wide much to the delight of the home supporters. With Davies on target with the conversion the score was now 12 a’piece on 58 minutes.

With Portsmouth using their backs to great advantage, they forced Andover to give away penalties, one of which cost them a player in the bin for 10 minutes. From the resultant penalty Davies was again on target to increase the score to 15-12 giving them the lead for the first time in the match. They were also making the bigger Andover forwards run around and gradually they were tiring. Sam Olie took a ball deep in his half and ran through the opposition nearly to the Andover 22 before he got stopped. Second row Sam Foster then joined in the running theme and eventually the ball found it way to winger Callum Grahamslaw who score out wide. The conversion missed and the score was now 20-12 with 75 minutes gone.

Andover came close to scoring when their left winger raced along the touch line but desperate defence saw him just put his foot on the line. With two minutes left Andover did have the final say in scoring close to the posts which closed the gap to 20-19.

Portsmouth were in no mood to let this game slip away and good defence held firm. Then from a lineout Portsmouth won the ball and scrum half Dom Vugler kicked to touch and the final whistle went with the slenderest of margins.

In previous seasons they would have lost this game but the team has shown before that they can come back from a losing position. The scrum had been under pressure in the first half but didn’t give up, as game wore on they were holding their own and at times getting the shove on their opponents, The whole pack did very well throughout the match with the front row working exceptionally well. They are playing as a team rather than as individuals as the results are showing. This is the first time for a long while that Portsmouth have beaten Andover in both fixtures, having won 10-15 in the away fixture earlier this season.

This result sees Portsmouth still top on 70 points, Bognor are second on 63 points after beating Bournemouth 2’s 53-22. Basingstoke are 3rd after
an away win at Guernsey 2’s 26-36. They are on 61 points.

TEAM
ALEX BUCK, JOE BENNITTS, ADAM PARKS-DARE
SAM FOSTER(C). ELLIOTT WORRALL
TOBY WILSON, SAM FLOYD, ANT FOOKS
DON VUGLER, GARETH DAVIES
BRAD JEWER, SAM OLIE, LEO WALL, HENRY BROWN
JAY CHATHAM

BENCH
BRAD ATKINS, BRYN RAINFORD, CALLUM GRAHAMSLAW

Portsmouth v Eastleigh, Saturday 28th February, Counties 1 Hampshire League

This was a contest between 2 teams that are at the opposite ends of the table. And that was exactly how it played out. Gareth Davies was first on the score board with a penalty 5 minutes into the match. Eastleigh then took the lead with a converted try 10 minutes later. From a quickly taken tap penalty by Gareth Davies he spun the ball to Ant Fooks who crossed for their first try, taking the score to 7-8. Shortly after that full back Matt Higgins caught an Eastleigh kick and moving forward, passed to Jay Chatham who had a leisurely stroll around the opposition to score Portsmouth’s second try converted by Davies, taking the score to 7 -15.

About 5 minutes before half time and with the 3’s in a fine handling move, centre Leo Wall cut a lovely angle which completely took the opposition by surprise as he raced through to score their third try converted by Davies, taking the score to 7-22 and that was the score at the end of the first half.

The second half got underway with Portsmouth in fine attacking mood and Henry Brown, who had come on in place of Brad Jewer who had a hamstring niggle, from a penalty against Eastleigh Portsmouth worked the ball to Henry Brown who stepped his way to the try line taking the score to 7-27 on 44 minutes. This was Portsmouth’s 4th try giving them yet another bonus point. Eastleigh then hit back with a try of their own taking the score to 12-27 on 57 minutes.

Portsmouth then lost Sam Floyd for 10 minutes for a high tackle. This was followed by a yellow card for Sam Foster so Portsmouth were now down to 13 players. Undeterred by this it was then the turn of Sam Olie to get on the score board as he finished off a good move by ghosting his way through the opposition when it didn’t look as though there was anything on. Again Davies was on target with the conversion. This took the score to 12-34. This was followed by another typical barnstorming run by Leo Wall, breaking several tackles in the process, to score his second try. Again Davies obliged with the conversion and the score was now 12- 41.

With the pack in a dominant mood they then drove Eastleigh back at a rate of knots and giving away a penalty in the process plus another 10 metres for back chatting the Referee. Portsmouth were in no mood to hang around and spinning the ball through the backs it was down to Jay Chatham to score the final try, again converted by Davies, taking the final score to 12-48. Despite the score line, Portsmouth probably left a couple of tries out there, but generally this was a very good performance, with again the bench playing their full part in the victory. Sam Floyd deserves a mention for securing at least 5 turn overs in the match.

There were a couple of late changes to the original selected team with prop Liam Avis suffering a fractured eye socket at training on Thursday and backrower Henri Davies turning his ankle at training on Tuesday.

This win sees Portsmouth still top with 66 points, Bognor are second after beating Winchester 2’s 29-23.They are on 58 points and Basingstoke are 3rd on 56 points after losing to Millbrook, 31-34. Next week’s opponents, Andover, are in 4th after beating Guernsey 2nds 32-15. They are on 53 points.

TEAM
WILL ROLFE(C) JOHN PEARSON, JOE BENNITTS
SAM FOSTER, ELLIOTT WORRALL
TOBY WILSON, SAM FLOYD, ANT FOOKS
DOMVUGLER,GARETH DAVIES
NBRAD JEWER, SAM OLIE, LEO WALL, JAY CHATHAM
MATT HIGGINS

BENCH
ALEX BUCK, BRYN RAINFORD, HENRY BROWN

Portsmouth v Guernsey 2nds, Saturday 14th February, Counties 1 Hampshire League

What a lovely change in the weather, sunny with a slight breeze blowing down the pitch and the pitch in reasonable condition considering the rain we have had recently. After a narrow 1 point victory away to Guernsey, Portsmouth knew that this was not going to be an easy game and so it proved.

Guernsey kicked off with the breeze behind them. For the first 10 minutes or so Portsmouth were kept in their half, partly due to the Guernsey kicking but also their pack which was probably the biggest and most aggressive they had come up against this season. On one of their first forays into the Guernsey half, Fooks had managed to break through the lineout and steal the ball, taking play up to the 22. However a knock on in the tackle gave Guernsey a scrum and they pushed Portsmouth back as they cleared their lines. However Portsmouth were soon back on the attack and a good run from Eban Skinner saw him make good ground before offloading to Matt Higgins who was up in support, he made several yards before drawing a defender then passing to Sam Olie who was also up in support and he ran clear to score close to the posts, Higgins was on target with the conversion and Portsmouth led 7-0 on 15 minutes.

10 minutes later Portsmouth were defending in their 22 when the ball was passed to centre Leo Wall after full back Jay Chatham had dived on a loose ball preventing an almost certain try. Side stepping and handing off would be tacklers, Wall broke out of the 22 and raced towards the try line and although he had support he was on no mood to let go of the ball as he just carried on to score near the posts. Higgins was on target again and the lead was now 14-0. Their third try came from Brad Jewer who had caught the ball and moved up-field at a rate of knots before passing the Fooks who was up in support. He, in turn, made ground before passing the Jay Chatham who raced away to score close to the posts, Higgins was again on target and they now led 21-0.

Guernsey then opened their scoring account with a try resulting from a lineout about 10 metres from the try line. They set up a powerful catch and drive to score near to the posts with a converted try taking the score to 21-7. This was followed by another 5 metre lineout, a catch and drive, and their second score reducing the lead to 21-12 as the half time whistle went.

Portsmouth got the second half underway and were soon on the attack. The ball went across the pitch through several pairs of hands and eventually it was Brad Jewer on the wing who took the final pass. From seeming to have no room he evaded several tackles and side stepping his way down the touchline he eventually crossed for Portsmouth’s 4th bonus point try. Higgins did the usual and the lead now was 28-12 on 43 minutes.

Guernsey seemed to realise that they couldn’t make much progress through their backs so resorted to a series of pick and goes or lineouts to find their way to score. After one such move in which they made good ground, their resultant score saw them close the gap to 28-19. Portsmouth then lost Liam Avis to a yellow card for 10 minutes. With Portsmouth down to 14, Guernsey took full advantage of this and scored their 4th bonus point try taking the score to 28-26. Portsmouth defended well to prevent any further scores and the final whistle went with relief all round from the Portsmouth camp as their winning run now extends to 10. All the Portsmouth bench was used and each contributed well. However, with the pack under pressure and often going backwards at the set piece, it was difficult getting the ball away cleanly.

The back’s clearly had the advantage in both attack and defence but with the pack under constant pressure it was no surprise that all the Guernsey scores came via the forwards who were not only the biggest pack we had come up against but also the most aggressive. As Bognor, who are second, lost to Sandown & Shanklin 47-42, Portsmouth are still top and have extended their lead to 8 points. (61 to 53) Gosport & Fareham beat Winchester 2nds 41-14. Winchester are 3rd on 49 points. Next week is another blank week, the next fixture is Eastleigh away on Saturday 28th February.

TEAM
WILL ROLFE, JOE BENNETTS, LIAM AVIS
SAM FOSTER, EBAN SKINNER
TOBY WILSON, SAM FLOYD, ANT.FOOKS
DOM VUGLER, MATT HIGGINS
BRAD JEWER, SAM OLIE, LEO WALL, CALLUM GRAHAMSLAW
JAY CHATHAM

BENCH
JOHN PEARSON, HENRI DAVIES, HENRY BROWN

Portsmouth v Basingstoke, Saturday 30th January, Counties 1 Hampshire League

With the M3 closed to traffic for the weekend we had to travel the scenic route through Selbourne and Alton and a lovely route it was, as a passenger
thanks to Ed Neville, I was able to look around quite safely. We both decided that in future we would always go that way but come back via the M3 as it was probably easier in the dark.
Any way enough of this rubbish, lets get on the important stuff, namely the match report. This was a re-run of the game in December when Sam Floyd suffered a nasty cut to his leg and the match had to be abandoned. This is his 3rd game since his operation.

Portsmouth got the game underway and straight away they pressurised ‘Stoke, keeping them in their 22. From a Portsmouth lineout the ball went to Gareth Davies who put a delicate kick towards the touchline where winger Brad Jewer took the catch at pace and raced down the wing only to be caught just before he could score. Portsmouth were keeping the pressure on ‘Stoke and it was fully 15 minutes before stoke got into the Portsmouth 22. Portsmouth soon took play back into the ‘Stoke half and eventually ‘Stoke got penalised for not releasing the tackled player. Gareth Davies took the kick from just outside the ‘Stoke 22 and the ball dissected the posts giving Portsmouth the lead 0-3 on 27 minutes.

From the re-start, Portsmouth were forced to defend and eventually a knock on by ‘Stoke should have given the visitors a chance to clear their line, but in a moment of madness someone back chatted the referee and he reversed his decision. ‘Stoke weren’t going to loose this advantage and scored out wide, the conversion missed but they were now in front 5-3 on 30 minutes. Portsmouth went straight back on the attack and the ball went through several players before the final pass to Jay Chatham who neatly stepped his winger and scored out wide. Davies was again on target and Portsmouth regained the lead 5-10 on 34 minutes. That was the last score of the first half.

‘Stoke got the second half underway and Portsmouth were now playing into a steady cross wind. ‘Stoke had a chance to close the gap with a penalty in front of the posts but the ball went wide. Portsmouth were soon on the attack again and a good kick ahead by sub Matt Pilbeam took play right upfield. He followed up the ball but slightly over ran it due to the vagueries of a bouncing rugby ball, fortunately Dan Spencer had also followed up and he was able to cross for their second try. With Davies again on target with the conversion the lead now stretched to 5-17 on 46 minutes.

However 5 minutes later ‘Stoke scored their second try which was converted, closing the gap to 12-17. The second half was becoming a much closer game. 5 minutes later Portsmouth were awarded a penalty following a good attack. Davies had no hesitation in taking the kick and he duly obliged taking the score to 12-20. With full time approaching it was ‘Stoke who scored next with a converted try taking the score to a nail biting 19-20.

They had a chance shortly after to win the game with a penalty but the kick went wide and with Portsmouth defending in their 22 they were able to win the ball and clear it to touch with the final whistle going giving them a well deserved, if narrow, win 19-20.

This was always going to be a tight game and so it proved, both sides having good attacking and defending qualities. There were no thoughts of bonus points from Portsmouth, it was just a case of winning. Both packs gave their all with Portsmouth just shading it. The front row has been much improved since the arrival of Will Rolfe this season. Although Basingstoke scored 3 tries to Portsmouth’s two they deserved this win, if only for the first half display which kept ‘Stoke in their half for long periods. In the second half it was a more even affair. All the subs were used and each and every one of them contributed to this victory. It was also good to see Bryn Rainford back after a long absence even if he doesn’t enjoy second row!

Portsmouth remain on top with 56 points, Bognor are second on 51 points, Winchester 2’s third on 49 points and ‘Stoke fourth also on 49 points but with 1 drawn match. This was Portsmouth’s 9th consecutive win, something not seen for a very long time.

There are no games next week as it is a rest week, the next game is against Guernsey 2nds at Rugby Camp on Saturday 14th February.

Team
WILL ROLFE(C), JOHN PEARSON, LIAM AVIS
SAM FOSTER, BRYN RAINFORD
DAN SPENCER, SAM FLOYD, ANT FOOKS
DOM VUGLAR, GARETH DAVIES
BRAD JEWER, JOSH HOWELL-WILLIAMS, SAM OLIE, JAY CHATHAM
FRAZER GREEN

BENCH
JOE BENNETS, ED MILFORD, MATT PILBEAM

Portsmouth v Bournemouth 2’s, Saturday 24th January. Counties 1 Hampshire League

On a very wet and windy day Portsmouth seemed to have decided to give their travelling supporters cause for alarm as it appeared to be the day for them to loose their unbeaten run of 8 games as they fell to a 17-0 deficit in the first 20 minutes of the match. A penalty on 2 minutes followed by 2 converted tries. 7 minutes later they fell further behind with an unconverted try taking the score to 22-0.

It took Portsmouth till 30 minutes to get on the score board with a good catch and drive resulting in skipper Will Rolfe crashing over for their first try converted by Gareth Davies. This was followed up just before half time with Ant Fooks scoring from a tap penalty taking the score to 22-12 as the half time whistle went. It was just as though the team had realised what was at stake and suddenly decided they had better get to grip with the match.

From the start of the second half, Portsmouth went on the attack and from a ball collected by full back Fraser Green who made serious inroads into the Bournemouth half before he passed to winger Jay Chatham. He was able to step around a defender before running round to score close to the posts.
Davies was on target with the conversion and the score was now 22-19. Bournemouth were able to widen the gap with a penalty, taking the score to 25-19.

Portsmouth were now in a different mood from the start of the match and more pressure resulted in second row Sam Foster scoring out wide after some good handling. This was the 4th try and therefore that all important bonus point. With Davies again on target they went into the slenderest of leads 25-26 on 52 minutes. Portsmouth were now in full flow and from a series of pick and goes, hooker John Pearson finished off a good move with
their 5th try, again converted by Davies taking the score to 25-33 on 58 minutes.

Bournemouth, through their rapid backs, tried to get back on terms but the Portsmouth defence held firm. And so it stayed until, with Portsmouth defending their try line, they managed to win the ball back and scrum half Vuglar hoofed the ball into touch and the final whistle went and thus Portsmouth’s run of wins continues intact at 8. All the subs were used and the whole 23 squad deserved this hard earned victory.

There was much relief for the Portsmouth supporters who were thinking that it would end today after the first 20 minute display. Even the Bournemouth players and supporters were saying it was all over for Portsmouth during the first half. As skipper Will Rolfe said, “there is a lot of rugby to be played yet” and so it proved.

Bognor were top before today’s games but they got beaten by Basingstoke 20-18. Next week sees Portsmouth travel to Basingstoke for a replay of the earlier game in which Sam Floyd suffered a nasty cut to his leg and the abandonment of that game. This will be another hard battle and they will need to be on top of their game from the off.

All this means that Portsmouth now sit on top of this league on 52 points with Bognor 2nd on 51 points. Basingstoke are in 4th place on 48 points.

TEAM
WILL ROLFE(C), JOHN PEARSON, LIAM AVIS
SAM FOSTER, LEWIS MURRAY
TOBY WILSON, SAM FLOYD, ANT.FOOKS
DOM VUGLAR, GARETH DAVIES
CALLUM GRAHAMSLAW, SAM OLIE, BRAD JEWER, JAY CHATHAM
FRASER GREEN

BENCH
JOE BENNETTS, HENRI DAVIES, IOAN DAVIS

Portsmouth v Millbrook, Saturday 17th January. Counties 1 Hampshire League

I suppose it was a bit much to hope for a similar performance from last week as today’s opposition was going to be a tougher game and so it proved.

Portsmouth started out with great intent with Ant Fooks intercepting a lineout throw in the Millbrook 22 and raced through to score close to the touch line with barely 2 minutes on the clock. Gareth Davies was unable to add the extras so the score remained 5-0. Five minutes later, Millbrook closed the gap with a penalty taking the score to 5-3.

From the restart the ball was kicked deep into Portsmouth 22 and Callum Grahamslaw caught it and set off up field beating two defenders in the process with a neat bit of footwork. As he made ground he was able to kick the ball up field and another tap on the ball saw it cross the try line and Josh Howell-Williams was on hand to touch it down taking the score to 10-3 on 10 minutes. Portsmouth were then penalised for not rolling away after a tackle giving Millbrook another chance to close the gap which they duly did taking the score to 10-6 on 12 minutes.

From the restart Portsmouth took the game into the Millbrook 22. From a 5 metre lineout Liam Avis was able to secure the ball and he charged through to score their 3rd try – which Gareth Davies was able to convert from close to the touch line, taking the score to 17-6 on 22 minutes and that was the end of any scores in the first half. Millbrook were trying to slow the game down to suit them and Portsmouth seemed to be happy to oblige until the half time whistle with the score still 17-6 in their favour.

Millbrook got the second half underway and soon showed their intent with a 5 metre scrum resulting in a blind side break from the back of the scrum to open the scoring with a converted try which took the score to 17-13 on 47 minutes. That stirred Portsmouth into action and a 3’s move was finished off by Callum Grahamslaw who scored their 4th bonus point try on 54 minutes. This time Davies was on target and the score was now 24-13. There then followed a great bit of defence by Portsmouth when Millbrook appeared to have scored but, somehow, before the ball was grounded, Grahamslaw was able to tackle the ball carrier and turn him so he was on his back thus preventing a score.

Millbrook, however, were soon able to add to their score with a converted try taking the score to 24-20 on 62 minutes. 3 minutes later, Portsmouth set up a good bit of inter-passing between Greenslaw and Matipano and they scored a converted try taking the tally to 31-20. 2 minutes later, Millbrook hit back with their 3rd try taking the score to 31-25.

Another attack by Portsmouth saw Fooks break through but he was tackled just short of the line but luckily Archie Clemence had followed up and Fooks was able to throw up a pass to him for their 6th try taking the score to 36-25 with only a few minutes remaining. MIllbrook were penalised for not releasing the tackled player and eventually Dam Vuglar was able to clear the ball into touch and the final whistle went giving Portsmouth their 7th win on the bounce scoring 6 tries in the process for the second consecutive game.

This was without doubt a far harder game than last week and the pressure that brought was evident in the number of dropped passes and balls lost in tackles. There were also a few missed tackles which didn’t help. One good bit of news was that Sam Floyd played his first game today since the Basingstoke fixture in which he got an horrendous injury to his leg which left his bone exposed. It also led to the postponement of the game as they had to wait for an ambulance to arrive. That game has now been rescheduled for 31st January. Sam came through this match unscathed much to the relief of all concerned and is testament to the excellent work that was done in the hospital where he was treated.

This result sees Portsmouth move up to the giddy heights of second in the League on 47 points. Bognor remain top despite loosing to Andover 17-29.
Next week sees the 1’s travelling to Dorset to play Bournemouth 2’s, they beat Winchester 2’s 50-21. Bournemouth are 7th on 37 points.

TEAM
WILL ROLFE(C), BRAD ATKINS, LIAM AVIS
SAM FOSTER, ELLIOTT WORRALL
TOBY WILSON, SAM FLOYD, ANT FOOKS
DOM VUGLAR, GARETH DAVIES
CALLUM GRAHAMSLAW, JOSH HOWELL-WILLIAMS, SAM OLIE, ARCHIE CLEMENCE
TAWANDA MATIPANO

BENCH
JOHN PEARSON, LEWIS MURRAY, HENRI DAVIES