Portsmouth vs Eastleigh, Saturday 25th February, Counties 1 Hampshire , rearranged match

Portsmouth 38 – 17 Eastleigh

Match report by Jim Dixon



On a rather chilly blustery day Portsmouth had to make one or two changes as this was originally a blank weekend and some players had made other arrangements.  This re-arranged fixture was caused by the game being postponed in January due to weather conditions.

Eastleigh got proceedings underway and Portsmouth showed their intent with a great run by Finn Parry who took the ball into Eastleigh’s half of the pitch involving Max Clark and Ollie Simpson . The move was eventually stopped after Portsmouth were penalised for not releasing after the tackle.  All the pressure was coming from Portsmouth and eventually they scored through Anthony Fooks following a good move involving Aaron Beesley and Finn Parry.  Morgans conversion was true and the score was 7 – 0.  Portsmouth had a chance to increase the lead but the penalty kick by Morgan was just wide.  With Portsmouth still exerting pressure they managed to string a good passing move across the field which saw Brad Atkins cross close to the posts for their second try. Again Morgan was on target and the score was now 14 –  0.   Jashan Solanki was next to score when they  ran almost the length of the pitch with good inter-passing and again Morgan added the extras taking the score to 21 – 0.  Aaron Beesley, who had been making a nuisance of himself,  as far as Eastleigh were concerned, then had to leave the field for treatment to his back.  He was replaced by Greg Hoolihan who went to No.6 with Ollie Simpson going to No.8.  Eastleigh were gradually getting a foothold in  the game and they made progress into the Portsmouth half.  From a run by Simpson as he was tackled he turned his ankle over and had to leave the field so Beesley came back.  After a period of pressure Eastleigh managed to cross for a try following a drive through their scrum which was giving Portsmouth a few problems. The converson was successful and the score was now 21-7 as the half time whistle went shortly after.

Portsmouth started the second half in much the same way they had the first.  From a touch kick by Portsmouth, Eastleigh had a line out on their 10 metre line.  A good tackle by Portsmouth saw Eastleigh knock the ball on giving them a scrum. From the scrum a great break by Aaron Beesley saw him make 15-20 metres before being tackled into touch. An Eastleigh line out saw them take the ball upfield and another penalty against Portsmouth saw them kick for touch giving them a line out close to the Portsmouth 10 metre line.  Eastleigh were now playing with a bit more confidence following their try just on half time. They spun the ball out from the line out and crossed for their second try near the touch line.  The conversion missed and the score was now 21-12. Portsmouth  then lost Ollie Bowles with an injury to his wrist and he was replaced by Jordan Cracknell.  Portsmouth were under constant pressure at scrum time, often winning the ball going backwards but Beesley was still able to collect the ball and make good ground going forward.  More pressure from Eastleigh kept Portsmouth pinned in their half and only good defensive work kept them out.  More injury woes for Portsmouth followed when Jashan Solanki had to be helped from the field with what looked to be a serious ankle injury.   He was replaced by Alfie Wigley. he went to the wing and Tim Rollett took the vacant full back berth.  A series of penalties against Portsmouth didn’t help their cause and it certainly gave Eastleigh a good foothold close to the home side’s try line. Eventually the pressure told and despite some good tackles Eastleigh scored their 3rd try in the far corner. The conversion missed but the score was now a rather concerning 21-17.  A bit too close for comfort.  This seemed to suddenly wake Portsmouth up and they certainly raised their game , taking play into Eastleigh’s half.  A cross kick by Portsmouth was gathered by Max Clarke who made good ground before being driven over the line for Portsmouth’s 4th.try. Morgan couldn’t convert but the score was now 26 – 17.  This also gave them a valuable bonus point.  Jordan Cracknell then scored his very first try for Portsmouth 1’s. The conversion missed and the score was now a more comfortable 31 – 17.  Portsmouth then scored probably their best try of the match with a move that started deep in their 22 by Beesley and he made good ground before passing to Max Clarke who in turn carried on upfield before passing to Sam Olie who still had work to do as he beat defenders to score their 6th.try. Gareth Davies took over the kicking duties and his kick was on target taking the score to 38 – 17 and the final whistle went 

Portsmouth were again guilty of conceding too many penalties which helped keep Eastleigh in the hunt for a while in the second half. At least there were no yellow cards for either team.  Portsmouth certainly lost their way for a while in the second half but at least they managed to get back on track.  Tom Sanderson at scrum half had yet again another good performance but the man of the match was undoubtedly No.8 Aaron Beesley. His rampaging runs always made good ground and his ability to take the ball from a scrum going backwards and then make progress upfield was a joy to watch.

This win sees Portsmouth move back up to 7th in the league on 34 points, only 2 points ahead of Bournemouth..

Next week Portsmouth travel to Alton in another game that they will want to do better in than their last encounter. Winchester had a HWO against Alton.

Portsmouth 2nd’s. also had a good win away against Gosport & Fareham 12-26. The 3rds. lost a friendly against Fareham Nomads.

TEAM: ANTHONY FOOKS, BRAD ATKINS, CHARLIE SHEA.

MAX CLARKE(C) FINN PARRY.

OLLIE SIMPSON, OLIE BOWLES, AARON BEESLEY.

TOM SANDERSON, GARETH DAVIES,

TIM ROLLETT, SIMON MORGAN SAM OLIE,CONNOR CHARLTON.

JASHAN SOLANKI.

BENCH: GREG HOOLIHAN, JORDAN CRACKNELL, ALFIE WIGLEY.

Past Players Reunion Lunch, Photo Gallery, Saturday 18th February 2023

Link to The News article

Portsmouth vs Havant 2nds, Saturday 18th February 2023, Counties Hampshire 1 League

Match Report by Jim Dixon

Portsmouth 10-38 Havant 2nds

Portsmouth’s day started with a Former Players Lunch where there were just over 100 past players/current members present and a 3 course lunch, provided by the Club’s resident Chef and former player Jimmy Martin,  plus copious amounts of ale consumed meant  a very enjoyable time was had by all.

With quite a strong wind blowing down the pitch, Portsmouth found themselves playing with the wind in the first half having lost the toss.

Havant got the match underway and shortly after Gareth Davies put a good touch kick down to the Havant 22. Sam Foster managed to steal the ball but a subsequent knock on gave Havant a scrum. A penalty against Havant for not releasing the  tackled player saw Simon Morgan line up a kick at goal from just inside the 10 metre line but the kick went wide.  This was followed by another penalty against Havant for not releasing the ball after a tackle. The kick was from a similar position and this time he was on target. Portsmouth thus had a 3 – 0 lead.  Portsmouth had a further chance to extend their lead but Morgans penalty kick went wide.  A penalty against Portsmouth led to a line out for Havant and only a good defensive effort by Portsmouth kept the visitors out. Morgan then got a yellow card for not retreating from a penalty quickly enough. A quickly taken tap penalty by Havant nearly resulted in a try but a good tackle took the player into touch.  Portsmouth then stole the lineout but Havant got penalised for interfering with the jumper.  From that resultant penalty Portsmouth had a line out on the half way line but a bad throw saw Portsmouth lose the ball. Havant were able to work the ball upfield and this resulted in their first converted try giving them a 3 – 7 lead.. Another penalty against Havant saw Gareth Davies kick for touch giving Portsmouth a line out on the 22. Yet another penalty saw Davies kick for touch resulting in a line out on the Havant 5 metre line. Unfortunately a well worked move by Portsmouth came to nothing when the final pass went forward. Another good attack by Portsmouth saw Havant make an intercept and they took play back upfield. Yet another forward pass spoilt what had looked like a good move for Portsmouth.  Havant then managed their second try which was converted taking the score to 3 – 14  and this was followed by a third try under the posts for the visitors taking the score to 3 – 21 as the half time whistle went.

The second half started with Portsmouth making changes with prop Tom Smith coming off and Robbie Henwood taking his place. Shortly after Sam Foster came off to be replaced by Aaron Beesley. He went to No.8 with Elliot Worrall moving into the second row.  With Portsmouth setting up another attack again the final pass was intercepted and Havant ran through to score a converted try. The score was now 3- 28.   A penalty against Havant followed shortly after and a good touch kick from Morgan gave Portsmouth a line out just inside the Havant 22.  This was followed by another penalty kick by Morgan and this time the line out was on the 5 metre line.  A knock on by Portsmouth gave Havant a scrum but with 2 more penalties against Havant Portsmouth had a 5 metre line out.  Despite the territory advantage Portsmouth were unable to cross the line after another good passing movement saw the ball go into touch. 

Brad Atkins then had to come off with a sore back so Tom Smith went back on and Fooks went to hooker.  Yet another penalty to Portsmouth following a Havant scrum infringement at last saw them score their first try through good handling by Luke Simmonds, Sam Foster Jashan Solanki and finally Connor Charlton ran round to dot down- close to the posts, Morgans conversion was good and the score was now 10 -28.  Havant however had the last say with an unconverted try in which the ref missed a knock on, taking the score to 10- 33 and this was followed by their final score taking the score to 10 – 38.  as the final whistle went.  This was a bit surprising as only a minute or so earlier he had said there was 12 minutes remaining and Portsmouth were in the process of bringing on their final sub, Dave Vickers.   On checking it did appear that it was ended  10 minutes early and on speaking to the ref later he admitted that his watch had been playing up.

Portsmouth had plenty of territory and possession but lacked cohesion at the vital time. It did make a change however to play against a side that gave more penalties away than they usually did.  If Portsmouth  had managed to score in the early stages that might have made a difference but as the game progressed so Havant’s confidence grew. Portsmouth did battle hard and for periods on the second half they managed to camp themselves in and around the Havant 22 but just could not find a way through a good defence.  The concern now is that with Petersfield beating Eastleigh 19 -15 they have now gone above Portsmouth in the league table.  Portsmouth have now dropped 2 places to sit in 9th.place and just 1 point above Trojans. Next week sees Portsmouth at home again, this time against  Eastleigh in what could be described as a must win game.

TEAM: ANTHONY FOOKS, BRAD ATKINS, TOM SMITH,

SAM FOSTER, MAX CLARKE(C).

OLLIE SIMPSON, OLIE BOWLES, ELLIOTT WORRALL.

TOM SANDERSON, GARETH DAVIES,

LUKE SIMMONDS, SIMON MORGAN, SAM OLIE, CONNOR CHARLTON,

JASHAN SOLANKI.

BENCH: ROBBIE HENWOOD, AARON BEESLEY, DAVE VICKERS.

CONNOR CHARLTON

Tackle Height update from Terry Burwell

Dear All 

Please circulate widely within your club the communication below from our Hampshire RFU Council representative Terry Burwell regarding the Tackle height changes.

Any comments or those people wishing to be included in the consultation – 

Contact Terry direct by 23rd February on – terryburwell@gmail.com

Thank you

Yours in rugby

Julie Greenslade

Executive Director

Update from TB arising from Steerco and Council Meeting

I promised to update you on discussions at the ‘Tackle Height’ Steerco last Thursday and the RFU Council meeting on Monday 13th February.

The Steerco meeting looked closely at the potential law changes and how they might be implemented to achieve the objective to reduce the risk of head injury by addressing the legal height of the tackle and the related responsibilities of both tackler and ball carrier.

It also discussed in detail how we could ensure that all stakeholders in the game had an opportunity to be involved in a meaningful ‘consultation and engagement’ programme, a view that was clearly expressed at the Clubs meeting.

RFU Council expressed its concern and indeed the game’s concern at how the change had been communicated and a full review will be undertaken on both the process and outcome of the 16th January decision.  However, this should not distract from the need to engage with the game on the impact of law changes on the game, it’s safety and enjoyment and the participants at all levels

We are  finalising the law detail, in parallel with the ‘consultation and engagement plan and this will be communicated as part of that process.  The engagement  will include a range of options for individuals to be involved from across the spectrum of the community game, from all stakeholder groups. 

A series of workshops and  forums, run throughout March, will be a mix of face to face and virtual to optimise attendance.  These forums will give the attendees the opportunity to discuss with the RFU leadership what the law changes mean to them and what they think should be included to make them a success. Alongside the forums, there will be an open survey, giving everyone the chance to have their say, as well as a series of online focus groups.(expected to go live 1^st March)

These roadshows will only work if we can get representations from all corners of the game across the senior men’s and women’s game and age grade rugby, including players(of all demographics), coaches, match officials, parent, teachers, clubs and CB volunteers, disciplinary officers, safeguarding and Rugby Safe Officers, and medics/physio support.  The objective  is to engage with as many as 1000 representatives from across the Community game, including  up to 45  of the Hampshire rugby family, where they can represent their views and those of their club, school or college in a meaningful forum.

Please ask members of your rugby group, in all categories, if they would like to be involved and encourage anyone that does so to engage with their peer group to obtain the widest possible perspective on this issue.  I appreciate that at this moment, detail on any proposals has not been finalised but I’m confident we will obtain volunteers who can represent the views of their organization, themselves and their colleagues.

We will be co-ordinating the representation from Hampshire through the County Office.  If you, or someone from your organisation would like to be involved, please let the County Office know  by 23rd February (Email to hampshirerugby@yahoo.co.uk including in the Subject Line – “Nomination for RFU Tackle Height Consultation”) with details of the section of the game that you (or they) will represent at the roadshows.

These responses will be then be used to ensure that we have a wide representation from our game across Hampshire and we will be returning our list to the RFU on 24th February.  We will do our best to find a forum, and attendance medium, that ensures that all individuals selected can attend the workshops, and you will be given options to help you in that regard.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to drop me a message (terryburwell@gmail.com)

High level summary from Clubs meeting on 8^th Feb held at Trojans RFC

The main objective is to minimise the head to head contact in open play, trying to avoid 2 heads being in the same space.

• The height has been lowered to remove the risk of two players heads in the same space. More serious injuries occur when there is head-to-head contact, a move to lower the height should reduce this.
• The ball carrier must not late dip – this could be unworkable for referees and players alike – the ball carrier must not endanger the tackler.

There was a lively discussion regarding the content of the slides, and whilst some remained sceptical, there was an understanding of the need to lower the tackle height.  Reference was made to the Ross Tucker video emphasising that the green zone is likely to be between the hips and sternum.

The main concern is the future of the game, especially with the RFU cutting the RDOs and education programmes, resulting in a failure to set out the positive benefits of rugby to the widest audience.  There is a lack of courses to support teachers grow the sport in schools and access for club coaches to improve their CPD, and once again the lack of RDOs is key in promoting the sport safely in schools.

It was perceived that the RFU is looking to change how rugby is played and how that could affect numbers in clubs, with some clubs believing they would lose a lot of players and leading to them folding.   The meeting was assured that this was not intended to fundamentally change the game and this was not a move towards either rugby league or touch rugby, as some feared.

Further discussion was held on the changes to the law regarding the responsibilities of both the tackler and the ball carrier.  Ultimately, the changes are seeking to prevent the ball carrier from late dipping into the tackle.   It was agreed that the wording in the new RFU laws must be clear and concise, the definitions must be backed up by pictures where necessary. It was also raised as a concern that the timeline seems far too close (By 1^st July 2023) when education for players, match officials and coaches must be rolled out. It was felt that there should be courses and webinars available to all as soon as the law wording has completed. The players education being the most important, alongside match officials who will be charged with implementing on the pitch.

There was several comments, and general agreement in the room, that the RFU communication on the proposed tackle height changes have been very poor.  This has lead to significant mistrust within the game.  The proposed timeline was discussed and ultimately, the RFU has to commit to meaningful consultation with clubs.  Without this, there could be a lack of willingness from clubs to participate in the consultation.  This really needs to be announced immediately.

TB welcomed any discussion and encouraged club members to contact him via email if they wished to become part of a Hampshire working group – terryburwell@gmail.com

Terry Burwell | RFU Council Member, Hampshire

Chair, RFU Adult Competitions Management Sub-Committee

T: 07710472824

terryburwell@gmail.com

Twitter: @26eltel

Skype: eltel26

Bournemouth 2 vs Portsmouth, Saturday 11th February 2023, Counties 1 Hampshire League

Match Report by Jim Dixon

Bournemouth 2nd Xv 28- 20 Portsmouth

Firstly I must apologise for the late publication of last weeks game v Andover , it got lost in transit and has now been published !

Portsmouth travelled to their second fixture out of Hampshire, Jersey being the other one, to take on Bournemouth 2nd’s.  Their last game against them at home saw Portsmouth sneak a narrow win so they new it would be a tough match, especially as they are stronger at home.

Portsmouth kicked off and managed to re-gather the kick but as the ball as spun wide it got knocked on.  A couple of penalties against the home side saw Portsmouth gain ground and with the second penalty Simon Morgan was able to kick a goal giving them a 0  –  3 lead with just a few minutes on the clock. Bournemouth soon hit back with a try following some interpassing and with the conversion going over they took a 7  –  3 lead.  Shortly after this Portsmouth lost their scrum half Cam McGuigan with a shoulder injury.  This saw winger Sam Olie move to No.9 and No 8 Ollie Simpson move to the centre.  Ryan Bosher came off the bench to move to the second row and Max Clarke went on to the back row from No.4.  Disruption that Portsmouth could well do without. 

A penalty against the visitors saw Bournemouth extend their lead to 10 – 3.  Brad Atkins had to come off for treatment to blisters on his heel so Ben Gordon came of the bench to take his place.   Another penalty kick by Bournemouth saw them further extend their lead to 13 – 3.  A penalty kick to Portsmouth saw them kick to touch and from the resultant 5 metre lineout they were able to set up a good catch and drive with Anthony Fooks touching down. The score was now 13 – 8 as the conversion  missed.  Portsmouth were beginning to put some good moves together and had the opportunity to close the gap but the ball got knocked on at the crucial moment.    A good lineout steal by skipper Clarke saw him drive upfield but yet another knock on saw the chance lost and the half time whistle went shortly after with the score still 13 – 8. 

The second half started with Brad Atkins coming back on and Ben Gordon reverting to the bench.  Bournemouth won a penalty that saw them extend their lead to 16 – 8.  Greg Jansen then got yellow carded for pushing his tackler after the tackle and from that Bournemouth were able to score a converted try taking the lead to 23 – 8. This was followed quickly with another try, unconverted, taking the score to 28 –  8.  Undeterred Portsmouth were soon back on the attack to score a try through Sam Olie. Morgan’s conversion from out wide hit the upright and bounced out. Thje score was now 28 – 13.  Jansen was then able to come back on so Portsmouth were now 15 again.  Portsmouth then got a second yellow card for Tom Hare. This was shortly followed by a yellow card to the Bournemouth No.8.  From the ensuing penalty Portsmouth had a 5 metre lineout which saw Olie Bowles drive hard for the line and he managed to cross for a good try or so we all thought but the Referee had other ideas as he ruled that the ball had been touched down first on the wrong side of the try line.  Bournemouth then had another player yellow carded and from another 5 metre catch and drive Portsmouth did this time cross for a try scored by Fooks. With Morgan’s conversion on target the score was now 28 – 20 and Portsmouth were looking for another score to further close the gap and get at least a losing bonus point but their efforts were curtailed as the full time whistle went.  

Portsmouth battled gamely throughout the match but all too often poor handling let them down  Olie Bowles had probably his best game since joining us during the season.  He made a thorough nuisance of himself through out the match but especially in the second half.  It is worth noting also that with Andy Barnes back helping with the backs coaching that is beginning to show the benefits although it would be so much better if more of the squad attended the training nights,  Todays referee will also be officiating next weeks fixture against Havant 2’s . Lets hope we have a better understanding of his decisions.

This result sees Portsmouth still in 7th. place, just 2 points above Alton in 8th but with a game in hand.  Elsewhere Jersey continued their dominance with a 0 – 81 defeat of Trojans.  Eastleigh beat Basingstoke 34 – 19 and Winchester beat Havant 2’s 32 – 12.  Special mention must also be made for Ian French who on Saturday notched up his 351st appearance for Portsmouth 1st XV at prop  Not only is he now in his forties but he lasted the whole game against Bournemouth 2’s. He did get mentioned in last weeks match report that has still not surfaced yet,

Next weeks fixture v Havant 2’s will be proceeded by a Past Players Lunch with just over 100 attending so there should be a good crowd there to give their support..

TEAM: FINN PARRY, BRAD ATKINS, IAN FRENCH.

MAX CLARKE,(C) OLLIE SIMPSON,

ANTHONY FOOKS, OLIE BOWLES, ELLIOTT WORRALL,

CAM MCGUIGAN, TOM HARE.

SAM OLIE, SIMON MORGAN, GREG JANSEN, CONNOR CHARLTON,

JASHAN SOLANKI.

BENCH: RYAN BOSHER, BEN GORDON, JORDAN CRACKNELL,

Andover vs Portsmouth, Saturday 4th February 2023, Counties 1 Hampshire League

Match Report by Jim Dixon

Andover 50 – 10 Portsmouth

This Saturday was officially a rest day but due to the Competition Committee re-arranging postponed fixtures Portsmouth found themselves with this fixture and several 1st Xv players missing due to either making other arrangements or due to injury.  Andover had already got a fixture v Havant  2’s so they just had to change their opponents.

With a team made up of  7 second team players plus the remaining 1’s regulars the squad looked somewhat different to the usual one. The main point of interest was prop Ian French making his rare appearance for the 1’s and in so doing celebrating his 350th. appearance in all 1st XV competitions.  Last week he was playing for the Vets which he says is played at a much more leisurely pace!

Andover soon had Portsmouth defending their own try line and only good defence kept the line intact.  In fact they should have scored a couple of times but good tackling by the visitors made them rush the final pass and twice the ball went into touch.  However  pressure did tell eventually and a penalty for offside saw Andover convert from the 22 giving them a 3  –  0  lead.  Portsmouth went on the attack from the re-start and camped on the Andover line but although they crossed the Ref deemed the ball held up giving the home side a goal line drop out.  However a penalty to Portsmouth saw Simon Morgan take a kick at goal from near the touch line which he duly converted so the score was level at 3 all.  Andover were soon back on the attack and they gained a penalty for Portsmouth not releasing after the tackle which saw them re-take the lead 6  –  3.  This was followed shortly after by another penalty which saw them stretch their lead to 9  –  3.  Morgan then got a yellow card for a bad tackle so Portsmouth were down to 14 for ten minutes.  A further penalty to Andover saw them take the score to 12  –  3 and the half time whistle went shortly after.

Morgan came back on after a couple of minutes of the second half. Andover were now playing with the benefit of the considerable slope in their favour. 

With the benefit of a heavier pack and some quick runners they soon scored the first try of the match taking their lead to 17  –  3 as the conversion missed.  A second try soon followed taking the score to 22-  3. A yellow card to Andover was followed by another try and the conversion made the score 29  –  3.  a 4th.try took the Andover lead to 36  –  3.  Portsmouth were not subdued by the score line and took the ball deep into the home side’s 22.  There they pressed hard to add to their tally and eventually from a 5 metre scrum, No.9 Cam McGuigan took the ball from the No.8’s feet and dummied to go open. He then quickly took a dart on the blind side to cross for Portsmouth first try. Morgan converted a difficult kick and the score was now 36  –  10.  Andover hit back with another converted try, to take the score to 43  –  10.  In the dying minutes of the match they scored their final try under the posts giving them a 50  –  10 victory.

With Andover’s bigger and mobile pack Portsmouth were always going to have to work hard to contain them but  they did keep going right to the end.  But eventually all that defensive work took its toll as fatigue began to set in in the last quarter.  However they should all be proud of their efforts.  

Next week sees a resumption of normal league fixtures and Portsmouth are on the road again, this time to Bournemouth for a fixture against their 2nds. 

Lets hope that some of the injured players are available for selection together with today’s other absentees.

This result sees Portsmouth stay in 7th. place .  Jersey remain top and still unbeaten after a 7  –  109 victory away to Petersfield.  Winchester are 2nd following a AWO against Bournemouth 2’s.  Alton beat Gosport & Fareham in a close match 20   –  18.  

TEAM: CHARLES SHEA, BRAD ATKINS, IAN FRENCH.

SAM FOSTER, OLLIE SIMPSON(C).

BEN GRINYER, JACOB GREGOIRE, ANTHONY FOOKS,

CAM McGUIGAN, SIMON MORGAN,

AARON COX, DUNCAN STEED, SAM OLIE, CONNOR CHARLTON. 

TOM SANDERSON.

BENCH: BEN GORDON, TIM STEWART, ALFIE WIGLEY.

Portsmouth 2 vs Andover 2, Saturday 21st January, Counties 3 Hampshire

Portsmouth II 5 – 5 Andover II

Match Report by Jim Dixon

In the event of the cancellation of the 1st XV fixture away to Andover due to a frozen pitch it as left to the 2nd and 3rd.Portsmouth XV’s to fly the Portsmouth flag.

On a bright, sunny but cold day Portsmouth 2’s took to the field which was in reasonably good nick as it had been pretty frozen most of the day on Friday.

Andover were the usual team we are used to seeing with big tall forwards.  From the start they were soon on the attack and from a kick ahead they chased the ball and a rather kindly bounce saw them cross for the opening score. With the conversion missing they led 0  –  5 with only a couple of minutes on the clock  It looked as though it as going to be a long hard day for Portsmouth.  However they had forgotten about the crowd pf Portsmouth supporters, mainly from the 1st XV, who gradually increased in numbers as the game wore on and  with the increase in numbers so the rather raucous support grew louder.  This seemed to spur the 2’s on and it as not long before a driving maul saw Portsmouth score to draw level at 5  –  5 as the conversion missed.  Andover were the more dominant side as the first half progressed and although Portsmouth had a couple of scoring chances they were unable to add to their tally and the half time whistle went.

The second half began and it was a much more aggressive Portsmouth team that appeared so goodness knows what was said at half time.  It was that and the, by now, extremely noisy spectators that cheered the 2’s efforts every time they made a tackle or ran with the ball.  This saw a definite increase in Portsmouth’s attacking play and for the majority of the 2nd half play was confined to the Andover half much to the delight of the spectators.  However, despite some missed opportunities Portsmouth were unable take the lead and the game petered out to a 5  –  5 draw.  The rather noisy Portsmouth spectators were all the more impressive as there was barely a pint of beer between them.  Back in the warmth of the Club house 2’s players were saying how appreciative they were of the support from the 1st boys, so well done to them.

 The 3rd XV travelled to Chichester for their game.  They were down to 11 players before they set off and were going to borrow a couple of Chichester players but some 1st players who were a bit short of game time went with them and in a pretty fractious game came away with a 12  –  19 win 

In Counties 1 Hampshire league there were only 2 games played,  Alton dispatched Petersfield 69  –  7 and Havant 2’s beat Gosport & Fareham  17  –  31.

Next week we will resume League matches, weather permitting, and the 1’s are home to Winchester,  the 2’s are away to Winchester 2’s and the 3’s are at home to Eastleigh 3’s  All games are 2.00pm.kick off.

Dr John Owen – RIP

Dr John Owen – RIP

It is with sadness that Portsmouth Rugby Club announce the death of Dr John Owen in the early hours of Saturday 14th January 2023

John joined the Club in the 1950’s, after moving down from the Midlands, and worked as a General practitioner in Southsea until his retirement.

He captained the club and the County in the 1958-59 season 

Here is an article John wrote in the Centenary Year Book in 1986

Our thoughts are with Mary his wife, and his children Michael, David, Nick and Mandy and all the family

Portsmouth vs Gosport & Fareham, Counties, Hampshire 1, Saturday 17th December 2022,

Jim Dixon

Game Postponed due to pitch conditions

On a sunny but bitterly cold day Portmouth were due to play Gosport & Fareham today but with last weeks controversial ending to the match against Petersfield,  together with the fact that when a pitch inspection took place around midday it was almost impossible to get a fork into the ground it was decided, following a conversation with Gosport’s head coach,  regretably to call off the fixture.  The 2nds game at Gosport was also called off.   Fortunately the Club had arranged a Christmas lunch with  around 50 guests and that still took place.  Unfortunately 1 table of 10 that had booked, failed to turn up, but a very convivial afternoon was had by all who did attend.   Today’s game will probably be played in March.  We now have a bit of a Christmas shutdown apart from a interclub game to be held on Boxing Day.  Our next League fixture will be away to Jersey on Saturday 7th. January 2023 with the next home game versus Eastleigh on Saturday 14th. January.

Can I wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a great New Year.

Jim Dixon.

Petersfield vs Portsmouth

Counties Hampshire 1, Saturday 10th December 2020

Match report by Jim Dixon

Petersfield 22 – 19 Portsmouth

There were some who were questioning the decision to play this match under floodlights with a 3.00p.m. start bearing in mind the very cold weather conditions.It was generally thought that a 2.00 p.m. start would have been better.   And so it was proved although not in the way we expected.

The game started, on a very cold,sunny but almost windless day.    Portsmouth were soon on the attack and kept Petersfield in their half for a period.  Taking a ball against the head at scrum time Portsmouth set up another attack and a series of penalties against the home side saw Portsmouth with a lineout 5 metres from the try line.  However they managed to loose the ball, enabling Petersfield to kick their way out of trouble. From a lineout they won the ball and as it bounced loose it  was well picked up by Bryn Rainford who made 20 or so metres before offloading to the supporting Tom Sanderson who carried on to score.  Morgans’ kick as successful and Portsmouth led 0  –  7 with about 15 minutes on the clock. Petersfield then took the game to their opponents  and eventually from a 5 metre lineout they managed to set up a drive to the line for their first try. This was converted so the score was 7  –  7 about 20 minutes into the match.  Portsmouth had a couple of opportunities to re-take the lead through a penalty kick and a dropped goal but both unfortunately missed.   However that didn’t stop the visitors from setting up a series of attacks and eventually Morgan forced his way through to score close to the touch line.  His conversion was successful and they now led 7  –  14.  Shortly after this a Petersfield penalty kick hit the post and was caught on the re-bound by Max Clarke.and he drove to take the ball upfield.  Eventually Petersfield got their hands back  on the ball and scored out wide.  The conversion took the scores back level again at 14 apiece.  The half time whistle went shortly after.

With the temperature falling Portsmouth got the second half underway.  After a while Portsmouth managed to set up a driving maul out wide and they scored their 3rd.try through Ryan Moore. Morgan as unable to add the extras but they re-took the lead 14  –  19.  Portsmouth took the re-start with a penalty as Petersfield were penalised for arguing with the referee over the last score.  However it was the home side who scored next from a catch and drive which with a missed conversion took the score to 19 a-piece.  Portsmouth hit back and from a good handling move saw them close on the try line only for the final pass to be judged forward.  Portsmouth then had another chance to re-take the lead when they were awarded a penalty about 6 metres inside the half way line. This time Morgan was unable to convert so the score stayed even.  The Petersfield No.12  who was undoubtedly the difference between the 2 sides showed his class when he took the ball close to his own try line and cut through the defence until he was stopped on the Portsmouth 22.  Petersfield were then awarded a penalty in front of the posts which was converted to give them the lead 22  –  19.  Bradley Jewer then set up an amazing run taking the ball deep into the home sides’s territory until he was stopped about 5 metres from the try line.  Petersfield then took the ball back into the Portsmouth half but were penalised giving Portsmouth a scrum.  This is where it all got a bit confusing as the spectators saw the ref talking to both captains and we assumed that he was discussing the playing conditions with a view to abandoning the game on 61 minutes.  However it soon transpired that that was not the case as it was the Petersfield captain who was saying it was too dangerous to play on.  Both the Portsmouth captain,Max Clarke, and the referee  wanted to continue but the home side refused to do so therefore the referee had no real option other than to stop the game. As 61 minutes had lapsed the result would stand. It was noted that the decision by Petersfield had been taken just after they had taken the lead for the first time.  A far from satisfactory end to the match.  

This result sees Portsmouth remain in 6th.place but now on 29 points.  Petersfield move up to 8th.on 22 points.  Jersey remain top with a home walk over against Basingstoke  There were only 2 games played in our league on Saturday.  

Next week sees Portsmouth back at Rugby Camp against Gosport and Fareham.  2.00 p.m.kick off.

TEAM: RHYS BOWEN, BRAD ATKINS, RYAN MOORE

BRYN RAINFORD, SAM FOSTER,

MAX CLARKE(C), OLLY BOWLES, OLLIE SIMPSON.

TOM SANDERSON, GARETH DAVIES.

DUNCAN STEED, SIMON MORGAN, DAN GATES, BRAD JEWER,

JASHAN SOLANKI.

BENCH: TOM SMITH, CAM MCGUIGHAN, LEE CHANDLER.