Portsmouth 2nd XV 13 – 34 Havant 3rd XV

Roy Harris

Article from the News 06/12/2022

Link to Article

Portsmouth vs Trojans, Counties Hampshire 1, Saturday 3rd December 2022

Match Report by Jim Dixon

Portsmouth 13 – 12 Trojans

Portsmouth’s day started with a Celebration Lunch with 100 guests in honour of former player and Head Coach Roy Harris on the occasion of his 90th birthday.  The guests were made up of Club Members and Roy’s family.  Roy came from Cornwall in the 60’s to take up a temporary job with Radio Rentals for 3 weeks and he has been here ever since!

There was a more sombre moment when President Nigel Morgan spoke of Vets player and Junior Coach, John Warbrick who after coaching his age group on Sunday morning, went home and tragically collapsed and passed away.  He was only 42 years old.  Before today’s game started Portsmouth Vets and their opponents Portsmouth University,  together with members of the  Junior Club and   Portsmouth and Trojans 1st XV’s lined up to give a minutes applause in John’s memory.

If Portsmouth’s last encounter with Trojans in September was anything to go by, (a 10  –  11 win to Portsmouth)  then this was going to be of a similar nature and so it proved to be.

Portsmouth got proceedings underway with just 1 change to the selected side. Anthony Fooks had to withdraw from the team as a cut on his shin had not healed, so his place was taken by Greg Hoolihan.

After the usual exchanges in the opening minutes Portsmouth gained a lineout close to the Trojans 22.  However they managed to loose the ball and were penalised for tackling a player without the ball.  Then followed a rather bizarre moment when one minute a Portsmouth player had the ball and the next when Trojans ripped the ball out and ran from just inside the 22 to score almost unapposed.  The  conversion was successful and they led 0  –  7 with about 5 minutes on the clock.  More exchanges between the teams continued as both tried to gain territory.  Portsmouth then lost flyhalf Lee Chandler to a shoulder injury. He was replaced by Jordan Hunter, making a welcome return to Portsmouth after a period with Petersfield. Hunter went into the centre with Morgan moving to No.10.  Portsmouth were then able to string a move together with a good run by Hunter and they found themselves in the Trojans 22 for the first time in the match with about 30 minutes gone.  From a good lineout Portsmouth set up a catch and drive about 12 metres out and crossed for their first try scored by Greg Hoolihan,  Morgan was on target with the conversion and the scores were now level at 7 a-piece.  Shortly after Portsmouth made a change in the front row with Khatib coming off to be replaced by Rhys Bowen.  Portsmouth were able to set up good attacking moves but were often spoiled by either loosing possession or knocking the ball on.  The half time whistle went with the scores still level at 7 all.

The second half started and Portsmouth now had the cold easterly wind at their backs.  Portsmouth made a change at half time with Hoolihan coming off to be replaced by Olly Bowles.  Portsmouth were having to defend well to keep Trojans at bay which they managed fairly well.  However from a lineout which Trojans took quickly they managed to break the deadlock with a try wide out.  The conversion missed and Trojans now led  7  –  12.  A good attack by Portsmouth came to nothing when the final pass failed to find the receiver.  Portsmouth then made a couple of changes with hooker Brad Atkins coming of to be replaced by Hoolihan and khatib coming back on to replace Rhys Bowen who had  taken a knock to his thigh.  After some Portsmouth pressure they did manage to cross the line but were deemed to have been held up.  A yellow card to Trojans saw Portsmouth awarded a penalty which Morgan converted taking the score to 10  –  11 with about 14 minutes left. Portsmouth were taking advantage of Trojans being down to 14 but just couldn’t turn it into points,  One such moment came when Portsmouth won good ball and with nothing much on Morgan attempted a drop goal but his kick went wide.  With penalties being awarded to both sides it was Portsmouth who were awarded a kick right on half way and to the left of the posts.  Morgan took a good look and said it was worthing going for.  He lined up his kick and it Went between the uprights but only 1 touch judge put up his flag.  Everyone was now looking to the referee for his decision and without any hesitation put his arm up to signal the conversion and the final whistle went with another narrow victory to Portsmouth 13  –  12 much to the jubilation of Portsmouth players and spectators.  After the match a photo of the ball going over the cross bar proved the decision to be correct. 

If Portsmouth could cut out the penalties and keep hold of the ball at crucial times they could have secured a more convincing win.  This win sees them move back to 6th. in the league table on 28 points.  Jersey still remain top and unbeaten after victory over Havant 2’s  8  –  40. Next weeks opponents are Petersfield who beat Basingstoke 18  –  20. They are in 10th.position on 18 points.   

TEAM: YEHIA KHATIB, BRAD ATKINS, RYAN MOORE.

BRYN RAINFORD, SAM FOSTER.

MAX CLARKE(C). GREG HOOLIHAN, OLLIE SIMPSON.

TOM SANDERSON, LEE CHANDLER.

SAM OLIE, SIMON MORGAN,  DAN GATES, DUNCAN STEED.

JASHAN SOLANKI.

BENCH: RHYS BOWEN, OLLY BOWLES, JORDAN HUNTER.

Portsmouth 10 – 7 Bournemouth 2nds

In conditions which could best be described as ‘challenging’, Portsmouth took on Bournemouth 2^nd XV in a League Fixture at Rugby Camp.

The Portsmouth team were disrupted by the late withdrawal of one player and the non-appearance of another one. Several team and positional changes were necessary. Not the best way to prepare for a game!

The early exchanges were lively, with both sides having a share of the possession, but Portsmouth spent a great deal of those minutes in the Bournemouth half. Portsmouth won a penalty in the Bournemouth 22 but decided to kick to the corner and were unable to convert the resulting lineout. In the 18^th minute but chose to kick to the corner and were unable to convert the resulting lineout. One of the few forays by Bournemouth into the Portsmouth 22 was repelled by some excellent defensive work and, when a Bournemouth ball was fumbled, Josh Howell-Williams kicked the ball ahead and, by the use of footballing skills, a foot race with the opposition back, and a little luck, caught the bouncing ball and went over for a try, duly converted by Tommy Ware. (7 – 0)

Bournemouth redoubled their efforts and were awarded a penalty try due to an illegal scrummage by Portsmouth. This also resulted in Rhys Bowen being binned. (7 – 7)

In early in the second half Bryn Rainford was binned and Portsmouth held out until an illegal tackle gave them a penalty attempt in the Portsmouth 22. Fortunately for Portsmouth this was missed.

The rest of the second half was hard fought with both sides having chances. Bournemouth looked dangerous at times, but the weather and the pitch conspired to stop fluent moves on both sides. Late on Worrall was yellow carded but Portsmouth hung on to pick up the points. (Final Score 10 – 7)

Overall, an entertaining match in difficult conditions.

Team: Bowen, Atkins, Moore, Clarke, Rainford, Worral, Fooks, Simpson

Bushell, Hare, Howell-Wiliams, Chandler, Gates, Steed, Solanki

Bench: Foster, Cracknell

Portsmouth 21 – 57 Jersey RFC

Portsmouth welcomed Jersey Athletic to Rugby Camp on a sunny but windy day,  The late withdrawl of Brad Jewer due to work commitments  meant that Matt Higgins was promoted from the bench and his place was taken by ‘Diesel’.

Jersey were playing with the wind at their backs as Portsmouth kicked off and soon put pressure on Jersey which earned them a scrum on the Jersey 22.  A penalty against Jersey at scrum time followed by a second penalty saw Simon Morgan kick to touch,  despite being almost in front of the posts, giving  Portsmouth a 5 metre lineout.  Unfortunately Jersey managed to take the ball and eventually they made their way down field. They actually crossed for their first try but the Referee called them back for a forward pass but as Portsmouth had transgressed just before that the penalty was given to Jersey.  Jersey set up a good driving maul and crossed for their first try of the match.  The kick kissed and the score was 0  –  5  after 10 minutes,   From the restart Jersey managed to reclaim the ball and set up another driving maul for their second try which was converted making the score 0  –  12.  Their next score also came from  a driving maul which took their lead to 0  –  19.  Portsmouth, to their credit, weren’t overawed by their opponents and really got stuck in,  forcing Jersey to give a series of penalties away.  Their efforts were soon rewarded when Sam Foster crossed for Portsmouth’s first try converted by Simon Morgan.  The score was now 7  –  19  with nearly half an hour gone.  Jersey soon hit back however, with their 4th, try which was converted, extending their lead to 7  –  26 with 5 minutes of the half remaining.  In the closing minutes Jersey added their next try showing their handling skills in the process, as the ball went through many hands. The try was converted  as the half time whistle went with the score 7  –  33 to the visitors.

The second half started with former Portsmouth skipper Greg Hoolihan making a welcome return to the team for his first match of the season. He replaced Brad Atkins.   From a 5 metre lineout Portsmouth won good ball as Anthony Fookes drove forward and managed to pass to Khatib Yehia who crossed for his first try for the Club. Again Morgan was on target with the conversion and the score was now 14  –  33.  A penalty against Jersey for a high tackle gave Portsmouth a lineout on the Jersey 22.   Portsmouth were enjoying a bit of a purple patch and forcing Jersey to give away penalties.  Connor Charlton had a good run in the Jersey 22  which was stopped by some good defence.  Shortly after this a scuffle broke out which involved mainly forwards from both sides which was eventually subdued. This resulted in both teams loosing a player to the bin for 10 minutes.  Portsmouth won the ensuing penalty resulting in a 5 metre scrum.  Portsmouth won quick ball and the ball was passed to Morgan who drove to the line for a good try.  Converting his own try the score was now 21  –  33 and Portsmouth were desperately seeking that 4th. bonus point score.  But Jersey had other ideas and were equally determined that we wouldn’t score.  From a good kick by Morgan resulting in a 50/22 touch kick Portsmouth has a lineout 6 metres from the jersey try line.  From the throw in it was Jersey who rose the highest as their No.8 took the ball and broke through the lineout to make good ground before being stopped around the Portsmouth 22 but not before he had managed to offload to a supporting player. The ball then went through various hands before they crossed wide out for an excellent unconverted try. The score was now 21  –  38.  Another good Portsmouth attack came to nought when Connor Charlton  gave the slightest of knock ons when they were about  6 metres from the try line.  Another length of the field try by Jersey saw them stretch the lead to 21  –  43. Jersey were now in full flow as Portsmouth were begining to show the effects of the efforts they had been putting in and 2 further tries followed taking the final score to 21  –  57 as the final whistle went.  The last 20 minutes really showed the benefits of good fitness as Portsmouth tackles were begining to fall off. However Portsmouth certainly played their part in a very exciting game.  Jersey will undoubtedley be the best team we will meet in this League but at least as of today Portsmouth had scored the most points against them.   

Jersey were a very accomplished team, all very skillful with great ball handling skills.  There was always someone backing up the ball carrier.  As is often the case when Portsmouth play really good opposition they really up their game and that was certainly true of today’s game.  The whole squad should be proud of their efforts. This result sees Portsmouth slip down 1 place to 7th.  

Next week sees Portsmouth at home again in the re-arranged game against Basingstoke  which is a 3.00 p.m kick off.  Basingstoke won their match against Bournemouth 2’s 20-19, giving them their first win of the season.  They are in 8th place.  Lets not forget that when we played Bournemouth away last season they had not won a game up till then and we came away with a bad loss.

Portsmouth  Team:

YEHIA KHATIB, BRAD ATKINS, RYAN MOORE, MAX CLARKE(C), SAM FOSTER, RHYS BOWEN, ANTHONY FOOKS, OLLIE SIMPSON, TOM SANDERSON, LEE CHANDLER, MATT HIGGINS, SIMON MORGAN, ALI MACDONALD, CONNOR CHARLTON, JASHAN SOLANKI.

Replacements: AARON BEESLEY,  GREG HOOLIHAN, ‘DIESEL’.

Gosport & Fareham 39 – 26 Portsmouth

Match Report by Jim Dixon

Portsmouth travelled to Gosport to resume their battles with Gosport & Fareham after a couple of seasons being in different leagues.  These games always resulted in keenly fought contests and this one provided just that.   Portsmouth were without 5 players from last week due to work commitments, injuries, family reasons and a wedding.  That said it was pleasing to note that the replacements all acquitted themselves very well,especially debut making scrum half Tom Sanderson who joined us this week.  

Portsmouth got the match underway and were able to gather their kick but a knock on by them saw a scrum to Gosport.  With both teams vying for territory it was Portsmouth who were forced into some pretty desperate defence but eventually the pressure told and Gosport crossed for the first try of the match. The conversion was secured and they led 7  –  0 after about 12 minutes.  Portsmouth then managed to set up their own attack and although they crossed the line the Ref blew up for a knock on before the ball was grounded.  With play swinging between the 22’s it was Portsmouth who scored next with a well taken penalty by centre Simon Morgan closing the gap to 7  –  3 with about 20 mins on the clock.  More pressure from Portsmouth saw them set up a good driving maul which Gosport pulled down, resulting in a penalty try to the visitors and a yellow card to Gosport.  Portsmouth were now leading  7  –  10.  Shortly after this Portsmouth were awarded another penalty which Morgan duly converted taking their lead to 7  –  13. With about 2 minutes of the half remaining Gosport scored a try, closing the gap to 12  –  13.  A third penalty by Morgan saw Portsmouth increase their lead to 12  –  16.  With time running out Gosport managed to score their 3rd. try right out near the touch line. The conversion saw them regain the lead 19  –  16 as the half time whistle went.

The second half saw Portsmouth now playing with the benefit of a breeze behind them. Shortly after the resumption Portsmouth set up a good passing movement which eventually saw debut scrum half Tom Sanderson cross wide out for a good try.  Again Morgan was on target with his conversion which saw Portsmouth re-take the lead 19  –  23.  This was followed by a penalty against Portsmouth for a high tackle which closed the gap to 22  –  23.  Gosport then further increased their lead with a try after some good handling. The conversion missed and the score was now 27  –  23.  Portsmouth pressure resulted in yet another penalty which again Morgan was able to convert,  closing the gap to 27  –  26.   Gosport were soon back on the attack and a good passing movement saw them cross for a  converted try under the posts taking their lead to 34  –  26.  More Gosport pressure resulted in their 6th. try,unconverted, taking the score to 39  –  26  This seemed to stir Portsmouth into a series of attacks on the Gosport line and as full time approached it seemed as though Portsmouth would at least gain a bonus point as Sam Foster cut a good line through the defence to score wide out but to everyone’s dismay he dropped the ball in the act of touching down and the final whistle went with a victory to the home side 39  –  26. 

This was a typical derby match with both sides putting in some big tackles.  Simon Morgan was voted Man of the Match for the second time this season.  

As a result of this loss Portsmouth drop to 6th.place with Eastleigh on top with 4 wins  Next week sees Portsmouth at home to Jersey Athletic who are in second place with 3 wins from 3.  They were awarded a home walk-over against Petersfield.  Jersey Athletic is Jersey’s second team with their 1’s top of the table in the Championship with 3 wins from 3,  Please note that kick off for this match will be 2.00 p.m.

TODAY’S TEAM: RHYS BOWEN, BRAD ATKINS, RYAN MOORE.

BRYN RAINFORD, MAX CLARKE (C).

ELLIOTT WORRALL, MURRAY HOBSON. OLLIE SIMPSON.

TOM SANDERSON, GARETH DAVIES.

ALI MCDONALD, SIMON MORGAN, JOSH HOWELL-WILLIAMS,  JASHAN SOLANKI.

BENCH: IAN FRENCH, SAM FOSTER, LEE CHANDLER.

Portsmouth 30 – 17 Petersfield

Match report by Jim Dixon

Portsmouth started the day with a lovely Memorial Lunch in memory of former Clubman and Coach, Sid Street, who sadly passed away recently after a long battle with cancer. Over 50 members and family enjoyed a great lunch provided as usual by former 1st XV prop and Chef Jimmy Martin.

On a lovely warm and sunny but blustery day Portsmouth kicked off into the wind and were soon attacking Petersfield’s goal line. A good touch kick by fly-half Gareth Davies, following a penalty saw Portsmouth set up a good catch and drive and crossed over for their first try scored by Elliott Worrall. Simon Morgan was on target with the conversion and they led 7 – 0 after 3 or 4 minutes. Shortly after Petersfield hit back with a penalty kick making the score 7 – 3. From another good kick by the fly-half Portsmouth were awarded a 5 metre scrum and they managed to drive Petersfield over their try line for Anthony Fooks to score. Morgan was again on target with the score now 14 – 3 after 10 minutes. Petersfield hit back with a try from a lineout 10 metres from the home sides try line and the conversion closed the gap to 14 – 10. This was followed shortly after with a yellow card for centre Lee Chandler. Petersfied then took advantage of the situation to score their second try thus taking the lead 14 – 17 although some rather lax defensive work didn’t help the home side’s cause. With about 25 minutes gone Chandler came back on having served his 10 minutes. The game was getting rather scrappy with both sides guilty of penalties and the first half rather petered out with the score still 14 – 17 in favour of the visitors.

The second half started with Portsmouth having the benefit of a following wind. Portsmouth had the opportunity to level the scores with a penalty but instead of a kick at goal they went for touch. From the lineout Portsmouth lost the ball and Petersfield were able to clear their lines. Petersfield then won another penalty giving them a chance to increase their lead but good defensive work by the home side prevented a score. Portsmouth then had a period of good possession and tried hard to close the gap but were just kept out by another penaly giving Petersfield a chance to clear their lines. Shortly after this the visitors managed to intercept a pass giving them a clear run in to the try line but luckily for the home side the player was deemed to be offside as he caught the ball. The resultant penalty saw Morgan on target and the score was now 17 apiece. Penalties continued to be issued against both sides thus disrupting the flow of the game. Then came a moment of brilliance for Portsmouth when prop Ryan Moore managed to rip the ball from a Petersfield and after making a bit of ground ne passed to centre Duncan Steed who made good ground before passing the Brad Jewer on the wing and henraced clear for a try near the touch line. The conversion missed but Portsmouth  re-took the lead 22 – 17. With Portsmouth now getting some control back they ran another good line when the whistle went giving them a penalty although possibly advantage should have been played. Another penalty against Petersfield saw Morgan on target with his kick and the lead was now 25 – 17 with about 6 minutes remaining. Brad Jewer then scored his second try following a good 3’s move. This time the conversion just went wide with the score now 30 – 17 and about 90 seconds left. Eventually Portsmouth won the ball and a kick to touch by Elliott Worrall saw the final whistle go with a win to the home side. They also scored 4 tries so get a bonus point. The Coaching team was delighted with the win even if the game was rather scrappy. This win sees Portsmouth move into 5th. place level with Winchester who are ahead on points difference. Next weeks opponents are Gosport and Fareham who beat Trojans 38 – 31 and are in 3rd place.The one bit of worry for the coaches is an injury to scrum half Harry Drew. He took an off the ball tackle which resulted in an injury to his shoulder and could put him in doubt for next weeks match, after seeing the Club’s physio he was possibly going to hospital for an xray to see what the damage was.

After the game when everyone was back in the Clubhouse, President Nigel Morgan introduced this season’s Club Captain, Lee Chandler, and 1st XV Captain Max Clarke to much applause. Lee Chandler is the son of former Club Captain and Coach Ian Chandler and this is the first time in the Club’s history that father and son have appeared on the Honours Board.

Next weeks fixture promises to be a hard fought contest so lets hope plenty of supporters turn up to cheer them on.

TEAM:RYAN MOORE, ANTHONY FOOKS, FINN PARRY.
BRYN RAINFORD, MAX CLARKE,(C).
ELLIOTT WORRALL, MURRAY HOBSON, OLLIE SIMPSON.
HARRY DREW, GARETH DAVIES,
DUNCAN STEED, LEE CHANDLER, SIMON MORGAN, CONNOR CHARLTON.
JASHAN SOLANKI.
SUBS:YEHIA KHATIB, AARON BEESLEY, BRAD JEWER.

Trojans 10 – 11 Portsmouth

Match report by Jim Dixon

At last! 

The rugby season is underway and Portsmouth tra’velled to Southampton to play Trojans in this new league  The main difference from last season is that with the exception of Bournemouth 2’s and Jersey 2 all the remaining games are in Hampshire which means a bit less travelling.  The day was ideal for an open game of rugby with the pitch in fair condition after the recent rains and no wind to speak of.

Unfortunately,  with both teams guilty of giving too many penalties away,  the game never really got going with too many stoppages. Trojans kicked off and gathered their own kick, taking play into the Portsmouth 22. A penalty to Trojans saw them take the lead 3  –  0  after a couple of minutes. Another penalty against the visitors saw Trojans on  the attack again  with a kick to touch.  Portsmouth managed to turn the ball over from a resultant maul and won a penalty in the process. Portsmouth worked play into the home sides territory and managed to work the ball out to the backs and an impressive run by debut making Duncan Steed saw him race towards the try line only to be tackled into touch by the opposition.  The Portsmouth scrum was now being put under a bit of pressure and only good defensive work kept Trojans at bay.  Eventually Portsmouth won a penalty for a high tackle by Trojans and Simon Morgan, making a welcome return to Portsmouth, slotted an excellent penalty kick from just inside the Trojans half, taking the score to 3  –  3 with about 10 minutes of the half remaining.  Another penalty against Trojans saw Morgan take another shot at goal from a wide angle but the ball just shaded the left hand post. Sam Olie had left the field earlier with a groin strain and was replaced by Connor Charlton.   Portsmouth made another change with Aaronn Beesley coming off to be replaced by Ollie Siupson at No.8. From a good driving maul Portsmouth managed to shove Trojans  back about 10 metres and crossed the line for a try credited to hooker Anthony Fooks. Morgan’s kick was just wide and they now led 3  –  8 with about 4 minutes of the half remaining.  The half time whistle went with Portsmouth looking for more points.

The second half was much as the first with penalties given to both sides thus disrupting the flow of the game.  Another good run by Duncan Steed saw him stopped by a high tackle and this time Morgan made sure of his kick extending Portsmouth’s lead to 3  –  11 with about 30 minutes gone. More changes were made by the Portsmouth coaches with Sam Foster coming off to be replaced by Aaron Beesley. Beesley went to No.6 and Worrall went into the second row with Bryn Rainford. The second half was turning into a stop start game as both sides continued to give away penalties.  Elliott Worrall managed to steal a Trojans lineout ball and made good ground before he was stopped by a high tackle giving Portsmouth yet another penalty.  Portsmouth were trying to add to their score but they just couldn’t get over the line.  Portsmouth then found themselves having to defend as Trojans now tried to close the gap.  Eventually Portsmouth fell foul of the referee who had by then warned both sides about the penalties being given and Aaron Beesley was given a team yellow card with about 4 minutes remaining.  This spurred Trojans on as they were awarded  a scrum 5 metres from the try line. With about 2 minutes left more problems for Portsmouth when Ollie Simpson was shown a yellow card, reducing them to 13 players and with another scrum awarded to the home side. this time they made sure with the extra numbers in their pack and they managed to drive Portsmouth over the line for a try which was converted taking the score to a nail biting 10  –  11  with only a couple of minutes left.   From the restart Portsmouth managed to keep possession and were eventually awarded a scrum which they managed to win and the ball was kicked into touch followed by the final whistle giving Portsmouth the slenderest of wins.

Portsmouth won this game mainly on their defence which was pretty solid throughout the match. It was only in the dying moments when they were down to 13 that Trojans managed to get over the line.  Duncan Steed on the wing showed good pace, making good ground on several occasions and the centre partnership of Morgan and Josh Howell-Williams looks promising.  It was also good to see that Morgan hasn’t lost his ability to put in long touch kicks together with his conversions.  It was a mightily relieved team of Coaches when the final whistle went together with supporting spectators that everyone was able to breathe freely again.  To get this first game out of the way with a win was great for all concerned even if the game itself wasn’t a spectacle.  Portsmouth have had this problem of giving away needless penalties for too long.  If they can cut that down then they will be in a much better place for future games.

This win sees them in 5th. place on 4 points, next weeks opponents are Petersfield who drew with Basingstoke 29  –  29. They are in 7th. place on 3 points.

Lets hope that we get a good crowd to cheer the home side on.

TEAM:  Yehia Khatib. Anthony Fookes, Finn Parry.

               Bryn Rainford, Sam Foster,.

               Elliott Worrall, Murray Hobson, Aaron Beesley,

               Harry Drew, Lee Chandler(c).

               Sam Olie, Simon Morgan, Josh Howell-Williams, Duncan Steed.

               Jas Solanki

BENCH:  Tom Smith, Ollie Simpson, Connor Charlton.

Tottonians 10 – 20 Portsmouth

Match Report by Jim Dixon

Portsmouth played their first pre-season game away to  Tottonians on Thursday night 25th August . Portsmouth had a squad of 24 players present and all got plenty of game time.  The evening didn’t get off to a great start with the mini bus breaking down at Fareham causing a delay in the start time of 7.00p.m.  They eventually arrived having been collected by Portsmouth players who had travelled by car so K.O started about 7.45p.m. after a very quick team warm up session. 

For the first 10 – 15 minutes it looked as though we were going to be in for a difficult evening as Totts piled on the pressure, but gradually as the team began to settle down they got into their stride.  Suddenly they worked their way upfield and  scored a good try. The Ref had decided that there would be no conversions due to the late start so the lead was 0  –  5.  We were also holding our own at scrum time and again we found a way to the try line with our second score giving us a pleasing 0  –  10 lead. Totts closed the gap with a well taken try making it 5  –  10.  but we then scored again extending our lead to 5 –  15. By now it was becoming rather murky as there were no lights on their 1’s pitch and it was also getting rather fiesty but we gave as good as we got!  Half time came and we thought the game would be transfered to the floodlit training pitch but the Ref started the second half as we were. The time was now 8.35. p.m., and it was getting increasingly difficult to see properly.  Eventually the whistle went and the game was transfered to the floodlit training pitch.  The only problem there was that there was no touch flags and no goal posts so it was difficult to see where you were on the pitch. There was also no dead ball line marked out. Excellent defensive tackling kept the home side at bay but eventually Totts managed to score closing the gap to 10 -15.  Their backs when they clicked,  were causing us problems but again good defensive work kept them out. We then scored another try giving us a  very satisfying 10 – 20 lead  against a team 2 leagues above us.  Due to a number of new faces I am unable to name all the scorers or the outstanding players. Indeed it would be unfair to mention some as the whole squad put in an admirable display.  There was good work from the back row throughout the match and some very good touch line kicking  often taking play deep into the opposition territory  The scrum put in a very good shift and the thing that pleased the Coaches  most was the way the team showed no tailing off when changes were made as they continued in the same aggresive manner.  

Next Friday the squad is playing Bognor at Havant in a postponed pre-season friendly with a  7.15 pm K.O which will be under lights.  Lets hope that the same mood continues..

Individual Player Sponsorship For Season 2022/2023

The new season is now upon us and we would like to reiterate how you can sponsor an individual player.  This can be a player(s) of your choice from any of the three senior men’s teams, the Valkyries and the Veterans. 

By paying a one-off payment of £300, the sponsored player will have his or her annual fees paid for and be given up to £60 worth of club kit! The sponsor, who could be an employer, parent, family member, boyfriend or girlfriend etc would receive the following benefits:

• Have their contribution acknowledged on the club TV slide show that highlights all the club sponsors before and during pre-match lunches
• Can hire the clubhouse for a social function at a reduced rate
• Receive two free meals at any one of the pre-match lunches held during the season

 We would also encourage playing members to seek out their own sponsors as this will not only benefit them individually but it will also bring Portsmouth RFC to the attention of a much wider audience!

Please contact Chalky White at hughwhite57@gmail.com for more details