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It was a bitterly cold windy day, the only good thing about it was the rain held off for the duration of the match. Basingstoke got the game underway and Portsmouth set up a number of forward drives but a knock on gave ‘Stoke a scrum. they set up a good attack and a well judged kick across field found their winger who crossed out wide. The conversion missed and they took a 0-5 lead with about a couple of minutes gone. A good attacking move came to nothing when a Portsmouth player who got tap tacked then got penalised for crawling with the ball in hand. Portsmouth then set up a series of drives through the forwards which eventually resulted in their first try by Ant Fooks. The conversion missed and the scores were now level at 5 a’piece after 15 minutes. Portsmouth pressed hard but just couldn’t get…

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The day was started with an impressive Christmas lunch, provided as usual by Club Chef Jimmy Martin. This was also the last game before the Christmas break when we return on Saturday 4th January when the 1’s are away to Basingstoke. It was a very windy day with the wind going from West to East, although it was cold at least the rain held off. Portsmouth won the toss and elected to play with the wind in the hope that by the second half it had been forecast to decrease in strength.From the start Portsmouth pressed the Sandown try line, keeping play in their half. Penalties against Portsmouth saw Sandown kicking to touch but into the wind they were unable to make much headway. A penalty against Sandown saw Jas Solanki taking a kick at goal from wide out and the kick went in off the post giving Portsmouth a…

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A changed side from last week travelled to Ellingham & Ringwood on a sunny day.  What a change from last week’s weather! Portsmouth got the game underway and were soon under pressure but some good defensive work kept E/R at bay. Although Portsmouth managed to get into the Ellingham half they soon found themselves defending their line again. A 5 metre lineout saw Ellingham set up a good catch and drive and although they crossed the line somehow Portsmouth managed to get under the ball carrier thus denying them a score.  A penalty against Portsmouth for not releasing after a tackle gave Ellingham a kick at goal from almost in front of the posts. The kick was successful and they took a 3-0  lead on 14 minutes.  More good defensive work by Portsmouth kept Ellingham at bay but another penalty for going over the top gave Ellingham a chance to increase…

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Portsmouth travelled a shortish distance along the M27 to Eastleigh wondering a bit what the weather was going to do. With the threat of Storm Bert coming in together with gale force winds and heavy rain it was all a bit daunting. As it turned out it was a much quieter spell that greeted them on the pitch. The wind had dropped and the rain had virtually stopped and at least it was rather mild for a change. Portsmouth got the game underway playing with the wind slightly behind them. They soon had Eastleigh defending their line as the visitors closed in on the try line. With the pitch already wet and muddy, handling was a bit tricky and the first scoring chance went begging when the ball went loose. Eastleigh then set up their first real attack but the backs were pinged for crossing, giving Portsmouth a chance to…

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The day started with a lunch in memory of Club stalwart Ken Reilly who sadly passed away last week. There were about 60 members present together with Jenny Reilly and her family. There was much recalling of memories of yesteryear. Just before the matches started, teams from the two games lined up for 1 minute’s applause in K.R’s memory. Bournemouth are a much improved side from the one we played last season so Portsmouth new they were in for good contest and so it proved.Portsmouth got the match underway and soon had Bournemouth pinned in their 22. A relieving kick from the visitors saw Portsmouth spin the ball through several pairs of hands and the move was finished of by Leo Wall who dotted down out wide. The conversion fell short so the score stood at 5-0 after about 3 minutes. Just under 10 minutes later Portsmouth set up another…

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Portsmouth travelled into the heart of the New Forest for this match. The game was preceded by a minutes silence in respect of Remembrance Sunday.Portsmouth got the game underway and soon had New Milton pinned in their half of the pitch. Despite several attacks on the opposition line they were only able to come away with 3 points from a penalty after about 10 minutes, through the boot of Jas Solanki. It was another 5 minutes before they added to their score with a try by Brad Jewer after play had gone from one side of the pitch to the other. The conversion by Solanki was good and they now led 5-10. Shortly after this New Milton managed to get into the Portsmouth half and eventually they won a penalty which they converted to take to score to 3-10. With the game now being played between the 22’s it was…

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What a weekend at Rugby Camp. On Friday night Portsmouth Vets travelled to Petersfield to play their Vets and ran out comfortable winners 7-38. On Saturday Portsmouth had 3 senior men’s teams in action plus the Valkyries 2nd XV playing Swanage & Wareham also at home, running out winners 38-19. And then as if that wasn’t enough, Portsmouth held their annual Octoberfest at the Club in the evening with about 120 attending. The Valkyries kicked off at 12.30p.m. with the Men’s 1’s starting at 1 o’clock. Then the 2nds & 3rds started when those games had concluded.Portsmouth got their game underway and they soon put pressure on the Guernsey line. A good passing move came to nothing when the final pass didn’t quite make it to the receiver and the ball got knocked on, giving a scrum to Guernsey. They secured the ball and a kick upfield saw them in…

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Portsmouth travelled the very short distance to Havant on a bright and sunny day that was also unusually warm for the time of year. Portsmouth welcomed back James Hebbard following a break after suffering from concussion. They also lost Brad Jewer on the morning of the match following illness. His place in the centre was taken by Will Dalziel who was due to play full back. The fullback position was taken by Ali Macdonald who came of the bench. Matt Hughes went onto the bench. The game was being played on the Havant 1st XV 4G all weather pitch. Havant got the game underway and Portsmouth went straight into attack mode with a nice kick deep into the Havant 22. Fortunately the ball came off a Havant player so it was Portsmouth’s throw in. Havant managed to burgle the ball but Portsmouth managed to get it back and a good…

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The day was proceeded by a Luncheon in memory of Peter Golding, Dick Tyrell and Keven Ricketts. Their families were present along with about 70 former and current club members. Excellent food was provided by Club Chef Jimmy Martin who always provides for the Club Lunches. Jimmy is a Club member and former 1st xv prop.Trojans got the game underway and Portsmouth gathered deep in their 22 and went onto the attack straight away. For the next 5-10 minutes play was confined to the 22’s. with Portsmouth being the more dominant. Eventually Portsmouth were penalised for not releasing after the tackle. The kick was in front of the posts and an easy kick gave them a 0-3 lead after about 8 minutes. From the restart Portsmouth took play deep into the Trojan’s 22 where a penalty against them saw flyhalf Matt Higgins line up a kick at goal which he…

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Portsmouth got the game underway and Basingstoke took the game straight back to the visitors. With only a few minutes on the clock Portsmouth lost second row Jordan Cracknell with a shoulder injury following a big tackle on his opposite number. Will Dalziel went on in his place. For a while play was taking place between the 22’s but eventually following a penalty against Basingstoke Jas Solanki slotted a good kick to give Portsmouth a 0-3 lead. The Portsmouth backs looked dangerous when they got the ball with Luke Simmons from fullback showing good pace but unfortunately their opportunities were rather restricted. Basingstoke had a very big pack and made Portsmouth work hard for their chances. With about 30 minutes gone Basingstoke were able to cross for the first try of the match and take a 5-3 lead. The Portsmouth scrum were beginning to give a better account of themselves…

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