Portsmouth 31 – 0 Old Emanuel
Jim Dixon writes… A comprehensive victory of 5 tries to nil saw Portsmouth make amends for last weeks lacklustre display against Basingstoke. On a very wet and windy day with the aftermath of Friday’s storm still being felt, Portsmouth had to change to the Vets pitch as their normal pitch was deemed unplayable. With a few changes to last weeks side it was hoped that they would put in a better performance and they certainly didn’t disappoint despite the weather conditions.O.E’s kicked off with the wind against them and Portsmouth were soon on the attack. Mark Ovens gathered the ball and put in a good touch kick down field giving O.E’s a lineout near the 10 metre line. Portmouth soon regained possession with Ovens making good ground before passing to full back Tom Hare who took the ball deep in to O.E’s territory before passing back inside but the pass…
Old Walcountians 24 – 14 Portsmouth
Jim Dixon writes… This was Portsmouth’s first trip to Banstead and as we walked out to the pitch we were confronted by an amazing view of the City of London’s dramatic skyline set against a rather dark sky as we looked down from our high vantage point. One of their older members remembered coming to Portsmouth, possibly in the 70’s and getting an 89 – 0 drubbing! There was a very strong and bitterly cold cross wind which rather swirled around giving neither side much of an advantage. O.W’s kicked off and Portsmouth gathered and took play up the slope towards the opposition goal line. When they lost the ball O.W’s were able to put the Portsmouth line under pressure but some good defence kept them at bay. A good kick upfield by Tommy Hare saw Portsmouth camped in the opposition half and the game rather swung between the two…
Portsmouth 0 – 31 Warlingham
Simon Newsham writes… Portsmouth were always going to be in a battle against second placed high flying Warlingham in London 3SW but coach Gareth Richards was dealt a rotten hand in the week building up to the game. Several Injuries and positive COVID cases meant Richards had to call on veterans Ian French and John Nichols into the front row, also into the front row came eighteen year old Exeter University student David Howorth for his first team debut at loosehead prop. Without a recognised scrum-half, winger Sam Olie stepped into the role and didn’t look out of place. Flanker Anthony Fooks had to sit this one out having had stitches to a facial injury at training on Tuesday. It was apparent from the first scrum that the hosts would struggle in the set piece with just seven minutes played Warlingham were awarded a penalty try when the Pompey scrum…
Referee Abuse – What can you do?
We have been asked to dr your attention to this article by Hampshire RFU and Hampshire Rugby Referees Dear Players, Coaches & Supporters Please can you communicate the message below as widely as possible throughout your club, we all have a responsibility for respect within our game. It will not have gone unnoticed by most players, supporters and officials that the game we love is facing some difficult times with regards to Match Official abuse. Rugby is based on respect something we have jealously guarded for many years. We all have a part to play in maintaining this. This week HRR had a session at our Training Meeting on how to deal with the chain of events that can lead to a Red Card for words aimed at an Official. If earlier relationships can be built between the captains, referees & players there is a greater change conflict will be…
Recruitment Drive For Girls Rugby
Dear Member You will be aware of just how popular women’s rugby is becoming in the UK at this time. England Women are ranked No 1 in the world and narrowly missed out on winning the Women’s World Cup in November. We at Portsmouth RFC are immensely proud of the success of our two Valkyries sides who are both riding high in their respective leagues. Not many clubs can put out two ladies’ teams on a regular basis and it is a testament to all the players, management and coaching staff that we do so. Another successful part of the club is the Junior section, which is thriving and growing very quickly. So much so, we are looking to hire more ground at Rugby Camp from Portsmouth City Council to allow even more Juniors to train safely on a Sunday morning. However, one area where we would like to encourage…
PRFC Chairman’s message
After over 50 years as player, captain, chairman & president of Portsmouth RFC Peter Golding has decided to stand down. Peter is not leaving the club and will still be a regular supporter on the balcony and at away fixtures. I’m sure there will be many tributes made to Peter for his outstanding contribution(s) over many years to Portsmouth RFC, Hampshire RFU, The RFU and rugby in general. Nigel Morgan has agreed to be co-opted on to the committee for the rest of the season as President elect and will be formally elected as President at the next AGM. Please join me in welcoming Nigel and saying a heartfelt thankyou to Peter. Ian Alvey is standing down as 1st Team manager and this role is being taken up by Mike Caspall and Bungle. Gareth Richards is also standing down as head coach at the end of the season and the coaching team is…
Locksheath Pumas 2nd XV 19 – 19 Portsmouth Veterans
Tries were scored byTom RadbourneDaniel StonemanAlfie Oliver 2 conversions by Steve Clunie A fabulous game played in great spirits…with a very happy and keen ref Alfie Oliver who played 10 (and is 10 years old) was MOTM…he won the coveted prize of putting the shirts away!
Petersfield 26 – 0 Portsmouth
Portsmouth travelled the short distance to Petersfield on a grey Saturday afternoon but at least it wasn’t raining and blowing a gale. Portsmouth were still coming to terms with the fact that their talismatic skipper and hooker, Greg Hoolohan, would take no further part in this seasons campaign owing to a serious arm injury sustained in last weeks game against Weybridge Vandals. His place was taken by Bradley Atkins who has been in the squad for some time. Portsmouth got proceedings underway and Petersfield collected and set up an attack which was eventually stopped but not before they had made ground into the Portsmouth 22.After about 4 minutes they scored wide out following a good crosskick which was caught by their winger who scored out wide. The conversion was successful and the score was 7 – 0. Petersfield were soon on the attack again and from a scrum on the…
Portsmouth 14 – 24 Weybidge Vandals
Match Report by Jim Dixon This was a game between 2nd from top and 2nd from bottom and what a game it was despite the attrocious conditions. The Referee decided that the 1’s pitch was unplayable so we moved to the Vets pitch which was marginally better. Although it was windy at least the rain, for the most part, stayed away until the final few minutes. This was Portsmouth’s first game sine the victory over Old Cranleighans on 11th.November as the following weeks game v Trojans was postponed due to Covid which was a great pity as they were looking forward to that match to keep the momentum going. Portsmouth played into a cross wind and were soon on the attack, keeping Weybridge deep in their half. Following a good touch kick from Gareth Davies and a hard run from No.8 Aaron Beesley Portsmouth crossed for what they thought was…
Portsmouth 36 – 5 Old Cranleighans
Match Report by Jim Dixon Prior to the match Portsmouth kicked off proceedings with a very well attended Presidents Lunch enjoyed by all who attended with an excellant Christmas Dinner prepared by former 1st.XV player Jimmy Martin. Portsmouth welcomed Old Cranleighans to Rugby Camp for the first time for a few seasons with the news that Head Coach Gareth Richards was having to isolate at home due to Covid as were his other coaches. Old Cranleighans got proceedings under way and Portsmouth were straight on the attack taking the ball deep into O.C’s territory. A Portsmouth pass was intercepted by O.C’s but they knocked on giving a penalty to Portmouth. From the ensuing lineout a good run from Apisai Deucu in which he took several defenders with him, saw O.C’s give away a penalty and a further 10 metres for back chat. A line out on the 5 metre line…