Portsmouth vs Alton, Saturday 6th January 2024

This fixture was originally scheduled as a League match but due to Alton losing several players to other teams they are endeavoring to fulfill their League fixture with friendly matches instead. This means that Portsmouth are awarded a HWO which gives them a 28 – 0 points victory and 5 points.

This gesture was very much appreciated by Portsmouth who were more than keen to play the game after the disappointing loss to Trojans before Christmas followed by a 3 week layoff with too much Turkey, Christmas pudding and alcohol! The Coaching team also welcomed a couple of new players and a returning Stewart Davies who last played for Portsmouth 5 years ago before being posted overseas. He is now back for a 2 year period, possibly longer. Simon Pinhorne is in the RAF and plays 2nd row or No.7, Also playing today are 2 Colts, Matt Pilbeam, fullback, and Adam Haynes. centre. They both start on the bench today. Also welcomed back was centre Sam Olie who has been out for a very long period due to an injury. He was selected at 13 with Josh Howell-Williams at 12. Leo Wall was moved from centre to wing with Connor Charlton the other winger. Stewart Davies took his favoured fullback place. This gave Portsmouth a new look back line that had not played together before so this was an ideal opportunity to try this new combination.

Alton got the game underway and Portsmouth were soon on the attack. A Portsmouth scrum saw them drive Alton towards the try line but as they set up a handling move the ball got knocked on, However Portsmouth soon made up for that error and from a scrum No.8 Aaron Beesley took the ball and crossed for the first score of the match, The conversion by Tom Sanderson was good and they took a 7 – 0 lead. From the re-start Portsmouth found themselves under a bit of pressure but were soon able to take control and moved the ball upfield. A scrum to Alton on the Portsmouth 22 saw them win the ball and their centre neatly sidestepped his way to the try line to score close to the posts. The conversion was good and the score was now 7 a-piece. Rather poor tackling somewhat aided the score. A Portsmouth lineout just inside the Alton 22 saw them set up a powerful catch and drive resulting in a second try for No.8 Beesley. Sanderson was again on target and they re-took the lead 14 – 7. This was followed shortly after with another try scored by Ant. Fooks. Sanderson was again on target and the lead was now 21 – 7. Portsmouth were now getting into their stride with the new backs combination working well and showing good promise. A strong run by fullback Stewart Davies saw him make good ground before passing to Beesley who powered his way over for Portsmouth’s 4th. try, again converted by Sanderson taking the lead to 28 – 7. The half time whistle went shortly after.

Portsmouth got the second half underway with Stewart Davies coming off to be replaced by Matt Pilbeam at 15. Adam Haynes also came on at 12 to replace Josh Howell-Williams who moved to the wing to replace Leo Wall who came off. Phil Gilliland also came off to be replaced by Sam Foster. He went to the 2nd.row and Finn Parry moved to the front row. Portsmouth were enjoying lots of possession and eventually Sam Olie finished off a good 3’s move with a try under the posts. With no kicking T brought on the kicker had to take a hurried drop kick which just went wide. Tom Sanderson had come off earlier. This took the lead to 33 – 7. A good 3’s handling move saw Matt Pilbeam finish it of with a well taken try. Again the kick missed and the score was now 38 – 7.

A good run by Beesley saw him offload to Simon Pinhorne who took the ball well before passing to Connor Charlton who scored out wide. The conversion missed so the score was now 43 – 7. Lee Chandler, playing at 10, then got into the act with a score of his own under the posts which was converted. This was a deserved try to celebrate his 200th. game in Portsmouth colours. This took the score to 50 – 7. Fin Parry then decided to get in on the act and scored a good try of his own which was converted taking the score to 57 – 7. Matt Pilbeam then scored his second try with a good burst of speed taking the score to 64 – 7 as the conversion went through the posts. Bryn Rainford closed proceeding with a final try which was converted taking the score to 71 – 7 as the full time whistle went.

The new players all performed well and the new combinations also proved successful. It remains to be seen how the team will fare next week against Eastleigh which will be a much tougher opponent. Eastleigh beat Trojans 60 – 5 and are in 7th.place. Although they had a slow start they have begun to put in some impressive wins so an interesting fixture awaits.

In the Club house after the match,President Nigel Morgan thanked Alton for fulfilling the fixture and wished them well for the future. He then presented Club Captain Lee Chandler, with a framed shirt to celebrate his 200th.appearance for Portsmouth.

TEAM
PHIL GILLILAND, ANT.FOOKS, LIAM AVIS,
FINN PARRY, BRYN RAINFORD.
ELLIOTT WORRALL, SIMON PINHORNE, AARON BEESLEY
TOM SANDERSON, LEE CHANDLER
CONNOR CHARLTON, JOSH HOWELL-WILLIAMS, SAM OLIE, LEO WALL
STEWART DAVIES

BENCH
SAM FOSTER, HARVEY FIELD, MATT PILBEAM, ADAM HAYNES

Petersfield RFC 4th XV vs Portsmouth Veterans, Saturday 23rd December 2023

Portsmouth Vets travelled the short journey up the A3 to play this ‘friendly’ fixture as Petersfield would only play the game game at their ground despite the Clubhouse upstairs being closed to players and spectators alike.

It was a rather windy and cold day but the players entered into the festive spirit of the game and a close and entertaining game was eventually won by Petersfield  26 – 19.  The only thing missing was brandy and minced pies at half time.  After the match a group photo was taken before they all went to get warmed up in the showers.  Portsmouth players were then going to return to their own clubhouse for some much needed refreshment.

Portsmouth 1st XV’s next league fixture is Saturday 6th.January at home to Alton, K.O is 2.00 p.m.

Trojans vs Portsmouth, Saturday 16th December 2023

Portsmouth travelled the fairly short distance to Trojans hoping to do the double on their opponents having won the first encounter 57 – 13 back in September. However this was a slightly changed side from the last game with injuries and unavailability but it still looked a pretty strong side. This is the last fixture before the Christmas break so it was hoped that they could finish the year on a bit of a high.

It was a calm day with only a slight breeze blowing diagonally across the pitch away from the Club house. Trojans got the match underway with prop Fooks catching the ball and made inroads into the Trojans half but a knock on gave a scrum to the home side just outside the 22. Trojans then won a penalty almost in front of the posts and between the Portsmouth 22 and half way line. The kick was successful and they led 3 – 0 after 3 or 4 minutes. Portsmouth were soon back on the attack and eventually won a penalty between the halfway line and the Trojans 22. Gareth Davies was on target with the kick and the scores were now level at 3 a’piece. Portsmouth set a a good attack with the ball going through several pairs of hands and it was No.8 Bryn Rainford who finished of the move with a try close to the posts. Davies was again on target and they now led 3 – 10 on about 15 minutes.

With the game being played between the 22’s neither side could really impose themselves on the match. Portsmouth then made some changes with prop Adam Parks-Dare coming of to be replaced by the evergreen Ian French who reaches the grand age of 47 on Monday!. Also coming on for his debut 1st XV appearance is last years Colts captain and Hampshire Colts player Liam Glazebrook. He is currently at Newcastle Uni. and is back for the Christmas break. He took the place of Lee Chandler in the back row. Portsmouth were enjoying plenty of territory advantage but could not make the final pass stick. Eventually the half time whistle went with Portsmouth still enjoying a 3 – 10 lead.

The second half started with Colt Hywell Gronow coming on as fullback Brad Jewer came off. Gareth Davies moved from 10 to 15 and Gronow to the flyhalf position. Portsmouth had a chance to increase their lead with a penalty but Davies’ kick into the breeze just shaded the outside post so the score remained 3 – 10. Another chance went begging with the final pass to Connor Charlton missing him and going into touch. Matt Austin then came off and Lee Chandler went back on. Glazebrook moved to the 2nd.row with Chandler taking his place on the flank. Also going back on is Parks-Dare as Ian French came off.

From a 5 metre lineout Trojans managed to keep possession and scored close to the posts. The conversion was good so the scores were back level as 10 – 10 with about 17 minutes of the second half played. Portsmouth then lost Bryn Rainford with a recurrence of an ankle injury he received against Bognor. Ian French went back on. Pressure from Trojans eventually saw them score their 2nd try which was converted, taking the score to 17 – 10. Portsmouth then set up a good attacking move with a great run from Hywell Gronow who raced down the wing but the Trojans touch judge put up his flag claiming his foot touch the line.

Portsmouth were defending their try line when they suddenly found some space and set up a great attacking move that saw the ball go across the field and back going through several pairs of hand in the process and eventually centre Liam Wall finished of what must be the move of the match so far, with a well taken try. Davies’ conversion from out wide just shaded the post but Portsmouth were now only 2 points adrift from Trojans 17 – 15. Another chance went begging with the final pass missing the recipient. Despite more Portsmouth pressure they were unable to secure the win as the final whistle went with the slender victory to Trojans 17 – 15.

Not the result Portsmouth had wanted, this was a very frustrating game with so many chances being missed. Despite that there were good performances from several players with Connor Charlton showing good pace although he should perhaps have confidence in going round the opposition instead of trying to go through them. To my mind the player that really stood out was centre Dan Gates, he had several good runs and his tackling was spot on. He is just gets on with his job without any fuss but the opposition certainly know he is around when he tackles them. Hywell Gronow certainly slotted in very well showing good turns of speed and some lovely well timed passes. Talking to his Dad in the Clubhouse after the game he reckons that he will eventually be faster than he was in his prime which is rather daunting prospect for any opposition!
This result still sees Portsmouth in 5 place in the League on 31 points, Trojans are in 6th. place on 29 points. Havant 2’s are in 4th place on 40 points having lost to Bognor 27- 24. Our next game is on January 6th at home to Alton. They cried off against Petersfield and are winless so far at the foot of the League,

TEAM
ADAM PARKS-DARE, BRAD ATKINS, ANTHONY FOOKS
MATT AUSTIN, FINN PARRY
HENRI DAVIES, LEE CHANDLER, BRYN RAINFORD
TOM SANDERSON, GARETH DAVIES
CONNOR CHARLTON, DAN GATES, LEO WALL, WILL DALZIEL
BRAD JEWER

BENCH
IAN FRENCH, LIAM GLAZEBROOK, HYWELL GRONOW

Portsmouth vs Ellingham & Ringwood, Saturday 2nd December 2023

Counties 1 Hampshire League

Match Report by Jim Dixon.

The day started with a Christmas Lunch held for 70 members and their guests. During the proceeding President Nigel Morgan spoke about Junior Club member Jonathon Warbrick as this was the first anniversary of his very untimely death. His son and family were present and he made a very emotional address in which he presented the Club with a silver trophy to be played for annually between a Portsmouth XV and a Portsmouth University team with the winner holding the trophy for that year.
Before today’s match started both teams and Portsmouth 3rds/Fareham Heathens lined up in front of the Clubhouse and gave a minutes applause in his memory.

Portsmouth got the match underway and straight away put Ellingham under pressure deep in their 22. When Ellingham won a penalty they were only able to clear the ball to their own 22. Eventually this pressure was turned into points for Portsmouth when from a 5 metre line out they set up a driving maul to score out wide through Brad Atkins. Gareth Davies kick just went wide so the score stayed 5 – 0 with about 10 minutes gone. Another 5 metre line out to Portsmouth was deemed not straight by the ref, giving Ellingham a chance to clear their lines. This constant pressure by Portsmouth kept Ellingham pinned in their half but despite this advantage they were unable to convert that territory into points until Portsmouth were awarded a penalty as Ellingham were pinged for not releasing the tackled player. This time Davies was on target and the lead was now 8 – 0. Ellingham had only managed to get into the Portsmouth 22 on just 1 occasion and even then they were repelled by good Portsmouth defence when they were closing in on the Portsmouth line. The score stayed 8 – 0 to the home side as the half time whistle went.

The second half started with a much livelier Ellingham with Portsmouth on the back foot having to defend their try line which they did pretty well. Shortly after the re-start Portsmouth made a tactical change with full back Bred Jewer coming off and his place was taken by Gareth Davies. His fly half position was taken by Hywell Gronow making his 1st XV debut. He is currently playing for the Colts and is the son of Portsmouth wing legend Matt Gronow who used to score tries for fun.

Portsmouth gradually got control back but had a further set back when they lost No. 8 Elliott Worrall with a suspected break in his collarbone. He was replaced by Ollie Simpson, making his first appearance since breaking a bone in has hand in one of the earlier warm up games before the League matches got underway. Portsmouth had a further opportunity to increase their lead with a penalty but Davies’ kick just slid outside the post. With Portsmouth back in attacking mode they had another driving maul and closing on the try line Liam Avis managed to secure the touch down. Davies was again off target and the lead was now 13 – 0. Aaron Beesley had made some telling runs in the first half and this continued in the second half especially when he charged through the opposition, making about 25- 30 metres before being stopped. With the game approaching full time Ellingham made a desperate attempt to score but although they crossed the try line Portsmouth managed to get under the ball thus preventing the score and giving them a goal line dropout. With the game deep in stoppage time Portmouth were able to put the ball in touch and the final whistle went with a victory and 4 points to Portsmouth.

Hwyell Gronow certainly wasn’t overawed by the occasion and got his back line moving well with crisp passing and showing some of his father’s ability in stepping opponents. Centre Dan Gates does what he does best, good tackling throughout the game. Bryn Rainford caused problems for Ellingham
at the breakdown and 2nd row Sam Foster nicked a couple of line outs. Aaron Beesley continued where he left off last week, charging his way through the opposition. Despite all that this was a rather scrappy and disjointed game although the Portsmouth defence held up very well, especially in the second half. Not a game for the purists.

In the Clubhouse afterwards Aaron Beesley was named Man of the match for the second week running by Mo Twells who also presented his prize.
This win stills sees Portsmouth in 5th place on 30 points. Next week’s opponents are Gosport & Fareham away. They won away to Bognor 17 – 34. Gosport are 3rd on 39 points.

TEAM
PHIL GALLILAND, BRAD ATKINS, LIAM AVIS.
SAM FOSTER, MATT AUSTIN.
AARON BEESLEY, ANT.FOOKS, ELLIOTT WORRALL.
TOM SANDERSON, GARETH DAVIES.
WILL DALZIEL, DAN GATES, LEO WALL, CONNOR CHARLTON.
BRAD JEWER.

New Milton vs Portsmouth, Saturday 25th November 2023

Match Report by Jim Dixon.

Portsmouth travelled through the New Forest for this re-arranged fixture with New Milton, cancelled earlier due to a wet pitch. As I was driving down to the game I was thinking of the last time I had been here which was probably playing for the Vets. I then realised that that was over 30 years ago so no wonder I couldn’t remember the way! In those days the Vets played every week and if we had a cancelled game John Smith, who was not only Vets Capt. but also the club fixture secretary, so he always made sure we got a fixture. We played New Milton, Worthing and Tottonians more frequently than any other team but that is for another day!

As this was meant to be a blank Saturday some of the 1’s players had made other arrangements so it was a rather different side that turned out.

On a very still and cold but sunny day the first thing that was noticed was the very faint pitch marking, no technical areas and no spectator barrier. There where occasions when the home side spectators were standing in the field of play as were their coaches who should have known better, New Milton kicked off and with the action being confined to between the 22’s it was Portsmouth who got on the scoreboard first when they were awarded a penalty just to the side of the posts and outside the 22. With the regular kickers not playing, kicking duties were given to scrum half Tom Sandserson who duly obliged giving Portsmouth the lead after about 10 minutes of play, 0-3. Portsmouth had a further chance to score but a 3 on 1 chance was lost when the ball carrier cut back inside and was tackled. However Portsmouth were getting into their stride and from a charged down kick by second row Matt Austin he was able to follow up and gather to score close to the touch line. Sanderson was successful with the touch line conversion and their lead was extended to 0-10.

New Milton then came close to scoring but an excellent tackle by hooker Brad Atkins which resulted in the ball going forward, gave Portsmouth a scrum close to the Portsmouth try line. Portsmouth won clean ball and passed to fly half Lee Chandler who cleared to touch. However the Ref deemed that he was outside the dead ball line when he took the ball, faint lines!, so the scrum was now with New Milton. Portsmouth were able to disrupt the scrum and won the ball back making ground to just over the 22. Portsmouth eventually worked their way into the New Milton 22 but then lost control of the ball. This enabled New Milton to set up a counter attack and they ran the ball well to score close to the posts, the conversion was good and the score was now 7-10. With about 5 minutes left Portsmouth set up a good attack which went across the field and back and eventually Ali Macdonald crossed wide out to extend their lead to 7-17 as the conversion by Sanderson was good. However that seemed to spur New Milton into their own attack and with just minutes of the half remaining they scored under the posts with a converted try, closing the gap to 14-17 as the half time whistle went.

The second half started with New Milton setting up an attack from the re-start and some poor defensive work by Portsmouth saw the home side score under the posts. Amazingly the conversion was charged down by Matt Austin so the lead was only 19-17. With both sides trying to get the upper hand the game was getting rather scrappy and disjointed although Portsmouth were able to gain territory through some good hard runs by the two Props Avis and Parks-Dare and also Aaron Beesley. He seemed to make it his job to batter the opposition every time he had the ball. Consequently Portsmouth were getting the better of the territorial battle. There was one occasion when the Portsmouth pack had set up a good drive about 10-12 metres from the try line and thought they had crossed for the winning score. The Ref gave the try but then realised that they had only got as far as the 5 metre line so the score was obviously disallowed.

New Milton were awarded a penalty just inside the Portsmouth half but the kick fell short. From the re-start Portsmouth attacked again and good work by winger Connor Charlton saw him race down the wing evading a few tackles with very little space to move but he was eventually tackled into touch close to the New Milton 22. Portsmouth had reorganised their scrum with Elliott Worrall moving from No.8 to the 2nd row and Matt Austin going from there to the back row and Aaaron Beesley going to No.8 from No.6. This seemed to give them a much better balance and they certainly were better able to shove the New Milton pack around. The reorganised scrum was certainly causing New Milton problems and they gave a series of penalties away. With time ticking away and another penalty to Portsmouth, Beesley grabbed the ball and determinably took a tap penalty quickly, setting off on a charge to the line and nothing was going to stop him. He crashed over for the winning score with Sanderson adding the conversion as the final whistle went as soon as the ball sailed through the posts. Portsmouth had won by 24 – 19.

Talking to Liam Davis after the match he commented that he was determined to put right the wrongs of his performance last week which he did with some good carries. This was also true of Adam Parks-Dare and Brad Atkins. The same could be said of other players also but the game was rather messy throughout and having some last minute changes probably did not help to the cohesion the side has shown in past games. This was a much needed win after the disappointing performance of last week.
This result sees Portsmouth in 5th.place on 26 points. Next weeks opponents, Ellingham & Ringwood, are in 6th.place on 22 points after beating Eastleigh 24 – 31. so that promises to be another tight game.

TEAM
Liam Avis, Brad Atkins, Adam Parks-Dare.
Matt Austin, Sam Foster.
Aaron Beesley, Anthony Fooks, Elliott Worrall,
Tom Sanderson, Lee Chandler.
Will Dalziel, Ali Macdonald, Leo Wall, Connor Charlton.
Brad Jewer.
Bench= Jordan Cracknell, Farrell Walters,
Harvey Chapman.

Portsmouth vs Bognor, Saturday 18th November 2023

Portsmouth 12 Bognor 36

By Simon Newsham

The change of venue to a home fixture because Bognor is currently under water should have given us a bit of an advantage, however, Bognor came flying out of the blocks and took the lead after just three minutes.

Their forwards are big and quick they tore through the Pompey defence scoring under the posts.

The game settled into a midfield scrap, Bognor using the wind and kicking deep while Portsmouth tried to run it out of their own half. There was a hopeful attack in the ninth minute but a knock on gave the ball away and Bognor launched another attack, the ball was turned over by Lee Chandler but was adjudged to knocked it on. The resulting scrum ten metres from the Pompey line saw the scrum half dummy and slip past Tom Sanderson, offloading to the right where a Bognor centre flopped over the try line for their second converted score.

The visitors were well and truly on top with twenty minutes gone a Portsmouth line out missed it’s target and was intercepted by the Bognor 9 who kicked ahead towards the posts where Pompey full back Kallen Wilke picked it up and dotted the ball down but carrying it over in the referees opinion.  The Bognor scrum was sound and they scored wide on the right, once again converted by the fly half for a twenty one point lead.

The line out was proving a major problem for the hosts, again over the top missing everybody except the Bognor scrum-half who put in a lovely kick earning his side a line out eight meters from the home line. Ironically Portsmouth took this line out and set off upfield with a barrelling run from prop Phill Gilliland.

The game was stopped for a serious injury sustained by the Bognor full back, while chasing his chip ahead he landed awkwardly twisting his knee and was in some discomfort.  After the restart Portsmouth fly half Gareth Davies was kicking for territory and gaining some ground but each promising move seemed to end in a handling error.  On the half hour Pompey got themselves into the visitors twenty-two after four phases of attack and forced a scrum in front of the posts, quickly moved right the ball was shipped out to wing Connor Chalton who was tackled just short of the line, No8 Elliott Worrall was on hand to finish it off, getting the hosts on the scoreboard.  Portsmouth weathered the storm until half-time where Bognor kept coming at them but hung on without conceding anymore. HT 5-21

With the wind in the second half the game was still winnable for Pompey but Bognor came out the quicker  with just two minutes after the restart Bognor crashed over wide on the right to stretch the lead once again. Although Pompey saw more of the ball in the second half they still couldn’t put any phases together, the visitors were up very quickly in the tackle and snuffed out any attacks.

A rare penalty for Portsmouth when a Bognor player pulled down a maul resulted in a five metre line out, a nice catch and drive but the hosts couldn’t get the ball down and earned a scrum five after being held up.

Worrall picked up at the base and tackled but knocked the ball on.

Pompey had a good spell of possession but couldn’t profit from it, errors such as kicking the ball dead from a penalty and getting turned over in a driving maul from a line out cost them dearly.  The wind was a huge asset in the second half and Pompey played a lot in the visitors half, a five metre lineout was the result of a penalty where the Bognor loosehead repeatedly found himself offside. The catch and drive worked perfectly and Lee Chandler peeled off to score a much needed try converted by the boot of Gareth Davies.

Bognor hit back five minutes later with a slick move out of defence, the left winger glided through to score wide on the left. The game finished in murky twilight with Bognor pressing forward but held up by solid Pompey defence, however their resulting scrum walked the Pompey pack backwards for their sixth try of the afternoon, final score at Rugby Camp Portsmouth 12 Bognor 36 

Portsmouth v Bournemouth 2nds, Saturday 11th November 2023

Portsmouth took on Bournemouth 2nds on a very still day but at least it was not raining. The game was preceeded with a minutes silence with both teams lining up in front of the Clubhouse, in recognition of former Club President Peter Golding who sadly passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday night. This was followed by a minutes applause by players and spectators alike.

Portsmouth got proceeding underway and Bournemouth straight away took the game to Portsmouth with a series of attacks until they eventually knocked on giving Portsmouth a scrum. From the scrum the ball went to Tawanda Matipano who made good ground before passing to Anthony Fooks who scored out wide, Gareth Davies was on target with the conversion and they led 7 – 0. with about 7 minutes gone. A lineout to Bournemouth following the restart saw them set up a good attack and suddenly they were through the Portsmouth defence without a hand being laid on their ball carrier to score a a try close to the posts. The kick was successful and the scores were level at 7 apiece with about 10 minutes gone. This was followed by a penalty awarded to the home side for offside. The kick, from between the 10 metre line and the 22 was successful and the score was now 10 – 7. An attempted drop goal by Davies just dropped short of the cross bar and Bournemouth set up another attack which was eventually repelled by Portsmouth with some good defensive work. A series of pick and goes by Portsmouth were stopped by Bournemouth . Bournemouth then had another scoring chance when they broke through the Portsmouth defense in intercepting a pass by Portsmouth and looked to have a clear run in under the posts but Portsmouth’s Kallen Wilke had other ideas and he just managed to tackle the attacker before he crossed the line. This resulted in a penalty to Portsmouth who were able to clear their lines with a good touch kick. The half time whistle went shortly after with the score still 10 – 7 to the home side.

The second half started with Bournemouth soon on the attack. camped in the Portsmouth 22 they broke through to score with their tall second row being tackled just short of the line but being able to reach out to score. The try was converted giving them a 10 – 14 lead on about 44 minutes. Shortly after this Portsmouth were penalised giving Bournemouth an easy penalty kick from almost in front of the posts. They duly converted this thus extending their lead to 10 – 17. Portsmouth then set up a promising attacking move started by Matipano and as he ran away from the opposition he was tripped by a Bournemouth player who was in turn pushed away by Bryn Rainford in a retaliatory gesture. This resulted in both players being yellow carded. During that period the game was mainly played between the 22’s with neither side being able to break through. However Portsmouth were eventually awarded a penalty which enabled them to get into the visitors half. Another penalty against Bournemouth saw another touch kick giving Portsmouth a 5 metre lineout. Winning good ball they quickly set up a drive for the try line and although crabbing sideways a bit and with the ball at the back of the maul safely in Adam Parks-Dare’s hands they drove ever closer to the try line and nearer the posts which saw Parks-Dare touch down. Davies was on target with the conversion and they had drawn level at 17 – 17. Adam insisted that the try was due to the good work of the forwards in front of him. From the restart Bournemouth set up another attack but good defence by Portsmouth kept them out. A loose ball from Bournemouth enabled Portsmouth to regain possession and they were able to kick the ball into touch and the final whistle went although it did seem to be a couple of minutes early.

This was not a good showing from Portsmouth especially after their game a couple of weeks ago against Havant. There were occasions when they looked very good and confidant but then that was followed often by lapses in concentration allowing tries to be scored. It must also be said that Bournemouth had several players back for this game that had missed the defeat by Havant last week who had all been fringe 1st XV players before. Certainly their No 10 was a good player and really controlled the game for them.

This result still sees Portsmouth in 5th place on 22 points. Bournemouth are in 11th place on 11 points. Elsewhere, Andover beat Gosport & Fareham 57 – 17 and next week’s opponents Bognor, lost to New Milton 39 – 25. Bognor are in 8th place on 12 points.

In the Clubhouse afterwards President Nigel Morgan made mention on former President Peter Golding and announced that the Portsmouth MoM was awarded to Anthony Fooks. This was presented my Mo Twells who sponsors this award.

TEAM
PHIL GILLILAND, BRAD ATKINS, LIAM AVIS
SAM FOSTER, FINN PARRY
ANTHONY FOOKS, LEE CHANDLER, ELLIOTT WORRALL
TOM SANDERSON, GARETH DAVIES
JOSH HOWELL-WILLIAMS, DAN GATES, KALLEN WILKE, CONNOR CHARLTON
TAWANDA MATIPANO

BENCH
ADAM PARKS-DARE, BRYN RAINFORD, HARRY DREW

Dr. Richard Tyrrell

We’re extremely sad to announce the untimely passing of Dr Richard Tyrrell! Dr Dick was a stalwart of the club and will be missed by everyone 💛

Our thoughts and prayers are with Cathy and all the family 🖤

Weekend review 21st/22nd October 2023

Bt Simon Newsham

As the dust settles on Rugby World Cup semi final weekend or not, as every refereeing decision is pulled apart by the media we can take a look at how the club got on. The first xv got back to winning ways with a splendid home win against Havant ii (see Jim Dixons match report). There’s a couple of weeks break now for rest and recuperation, some injuries and tired muscles will get a bit of reprieve.

Meanwhile at Hooks Lane the Casuals went down by thirty points to eight despite having been all square at half time they were overpowered in the second period.

The Vets travelled to Fawley where we can only assume they won 76-0.

Sunday saw The Valkyries first team travel deep into Gloucestershire to Chipping Sodbury where they notched up a fine 38-0 away win, opening up a clear four point gap at the top of the table ahead of second place Supermarine. Two tries from wing Katie Wadeson and one each from the other backs Emily Hare, Bronwyn Miller, Georgie Harris, and Megan Jones meant all the tries came from numbers ten to fifteen. Nancy Lismore slotted three conversions while Emily Hare added the other two points.

The Valks second fifteen couldn’t capitalise on a first half lead at home to Trojans who arrived a couple of players short, but with uncontested scrums and having to play under 19s laws didn’t allow the Valkyries to play to their strengths. The final score was 22 – 31 with tries from Luna Lewis, Alex Rainbow, Laura Gazzard with her first for the club and to cap a fine game at fly-half Nicki Buckingham also scored. Sophie Exton-Woodford back in the fold playing at centre grabbed a conversion.

The Colts put in an outstanding performance at Bognor, coming away with a huge forty nil win.

The U14s had a busy weekend with home games on Saturday and Sunday, the first game against Princethorpe College from Rugby on their annual visit. In a fast and physical game Pompey were superior at the breakdown and in defence to take the win by 42 points to 10.
On Sunday they played Fareham Heathens beating them 50-0.

Tickets for Octoberfest at the club on 11 November are now very limited, contact Ollie Simpson if you want to go along £20 is the asking price over 18s only.
olliesimpson@gmail.com for more details.

Have a great week

Portsmouth v Havant 2, Saturday 21st October 2021, Counties 1 Hampshire

Match report by Jim Dixon

Portsmouth 18 – 11 Havant 2

This is a truly local derby with Havant holding the bragging rights following 2 wins last season.  However, this is a different side to last year with a much more cohesive feel about it. They also communicate well with each other on the pitch and are playing much more as a team, supporting each other.   Havant won the toss and kicked off. Portsmouth managed to knock on giving Havant a scrum just outside the Portsmouth 22.  For the next 10 -15 minutes Portsmouth were forced to defend but this they did very well, keeping their line intact.  Portsmouth were then able to set up an attack of their own and through some good handling in the backs took the game into the Havant 22 with a good run by Kallen Wilke which was only stopped by a desperate last minute tackle. It was now Portsmouth’s turn to pressurise their opponents.  Eventually that pressure was turned into points when prop Liam Avis was driven over the line for the first score of the match,  a difficult kick from out wide , by Simon Morgan gave Portsmouth a 7  –  0 lead with about 15 minutes gone.  Havant soon hit back however with a try of their own which they were unable to convert so Portsmouth’s lead was now 7 –  5.  Portsmouth were then penalised just outside their 22 giving Havant a kick at goal just to the side of the posts.  The kick was successful and they now took the lead 7  –  8. Liam Avis and Lee Chandler then came off to be replaced by Adam Parks-Dare and Aaron Beesley.  Pressure from Portsmouth saw them put in a good touch kick just on the 5 metre line and they managed to steal the ball from Havant and drove for the try line with Anthony Fooks claiming the try.  Morgan’s kick just missed but they re-took the lead 12  –  8.  A good run by 2nd row Finn Parry saw Portsmouth take the ball back into the Havant half.  Havant set up another attack but good Portsmouth defence forced a knock on by Havant   From the scrum Portsmouth won good ball which Morgan put into touch and the half time whistle went.

The second half got underway with Portsmouth kicking off and rain starting.  A brilliant run by debut making Matt Austin, who had been getting  good reviews from the 2nds., who then passed to Parry who carried on the move.  They got penalised for not releasing after the tackle. Harvey Field then came of and was replaced by Harry Drew,  Drew went to No.9 and Sanderson went to No.15  with Josh Howell-Williams moving from 15 to 14.  From a lineout Portsmouth made excellent ground and then set up a drive to the try line but as they crossed for a try the Ref deemed the ball to have been knocked forward. 

From a scrum Havant were penalised for offside. Portsmouth elected a kick at goal although the position was quite far out,  between the halfway line and their 10metre line  but Morgan was again on target, which now took the score to 15  –  8.  Shortly after this Portsmouth had a further opportunity to extend their lead with another penalty from a similar distance but out near the touch line but the kick just shaded the near post.   Portsmouth were now enjoying domination in the Havant half with most of the play being contained there.  An excellent touch kick by Morgan resulted in a 50/22 result giving Portsmouth a line on the 5 metre line.  With the rain now pretty steady the ball was getting like a bar of soap and unfortunately they lost possession  giving Havant the chance to clear their line.  More pressure from Portsmouth eventually saw them win another penalty from almost in front of the posts. Morgan duly obliged and their lead was now 18  –  8.  With handling now a bit of a lottery Havant made a rare excursion onto the Portsmouth half but good defensive work kept them out.  As Portsmouth ran the ball out of the Havant 22 they were penalised for crossing giving Havant a fairly straightforward penalty kick which they converted making the score 18  –  11.  Portsmouth soon set up another attack with winger Connor Charlton racing down the touch line but he was tackled with the ball going into touch and the final whistle went with a very much deserved victory to Portsmouth.  At the start they seemed to be giving a bit too much respect to Havant but once that initial 10 – 15 minutes had gone they soon realised they had nothing to fear and for large parts of the first half and most of the second half they won the territorial battle with some ease.  The second row pairing of Finn Parry and Matt Austin went well with both making good inroads with ball in hand.  Prop Phil Gilliland had another great game and deservedly won the MoM presented by Mo Twells.  The backs are also playing very well and are setting up good combinations.  The team spirit throughout is very good to see.  

This weekend’s results sees the top 5 places unchanged from last week. Portsmouth are now just 1 point behind Havant.  Petersfield beat Gosport & Fareham 43  –  15,  Andover beat New Milton  38  –  3. 

Next week there are no games which hopefully will give those players who are carrying a few niggles a chance of recovery,  Portsmouth’s next game will be on 4th. November away to New Milton.  Don’t forget that kick off will be at 2.30pm as the clocks go back next weekend.  

TEAM: PHILL GILLILAND, BRAD ATKINS, LIAM AVIS

MATT AUSTIN, FINN PARRY.

LEE CHANDLER, ANTHONY FOOKS, ELLIOTT WORRALL.

TOM SANDERSON, SIMON MORGAN

CONNOR CHARLTON, DAN GATES, KALLEN WILKE, HARVEY FIELD,

JOSH HOWELL-WILLIAMS.

BENCH: ADAM PARKS-DARE, AARON BEESLEY, HARRY DREW.