Portsmouth v Millbrook, Saturday 17th January. Counties 1 Hampshire League

I suppose it was a bit much to hope for a similar performance from last week as today’s opposition was going to be a tougher game and so it proved.

Portsmouth started out with great intent with Ant Fooks intercepting a lineout throw in the Millbrook 22 and raced through to score close to the touch line with barely 2 minutes on the clock. Gareth Davies was unable to add the extras so the score remained 5-0. Five minutes later, Millbrook closed the gap with a penalty taking the score to 5-3.

From the restart the ball was kicked deep into Portsmouth 22 and Callum Grahamslaw caught it and set off up field beating two defenders in the process with a neat bit of footwork. As he made ground he was able to kick the ball up field and another tap on the ball saw it cross the try line and Josh Howell-Williams was on hand to touch it down taking the score to 10-3 on 10 minutes. Portsmouth were then penalised for not rolling away after a tackle giving Millbrook another chance to close the gap which they duly did taking the score to 10-6 on 12 minutes.

From the restart Portsmouth took the game into the Millbrook 22. From a 5 metre lineout Liam Avis was able to secure the ball and he charged through to score their 3rd try – which Gareth Davies was able to convert from close to the touch line, taking the score to 17-6 on 22 minutes and that was the end of any scores in the first half. Millbrook were trying to slow the game down to suit them and Portsmouth seemed to be happy to oblige until the half time whistle with the score still 17-6 in their favour.

Millbrook got the second half underway and soon showed their intent with a 5 metre scrum resulting in a blind side break from the back of the scrum to open the scoring with a converted try which took the score to 17-13 on 47 minutes. That stirred Portsmouth into action and a 3’s move was finished off by Callum Grahamslaw who scored their 4th bonus point try on 54 minutes. This time Davies was on target and the score was now 24-13. There then followed a great bit of defence by Portsmouth when Millbrook appeared to have scored but, somehow, before the ball was grounded, Grahamslaw was able to tackle the ball carrier and turn him so he was on his back thus preventing a score.

Millbrook, however, were soon able to add to their score with a converted try taking the score to 24-20 on 62 minutes. 3 minutes later, Portsmouth set up a good bit of inter-passing between Greenslaw and Matipano and they scored a converted try taking the tally to 31-20. 2 minutes later, Millbrook hit back with their 3rd try taking the score to 31-25.

Another attack by Portsmouth saw Fooks break through but he was tackled just short of the line but luckily Archie Clemence had followed up and Fooks was able to throw up a pass to him for their 6th try taking the score to 36-25 with only a few minutes remaining. MIllbrook were penalised for not releasing the tackled player and eventually Dam Vuglar was able to clear the ball into touch and the final whistle went giving Portsmouth their 7th win on the bounce scoring 6 tries in the process for the second consecutive game.

This was without doubt a far harder game than last week and the pressure that brought was evident in the number of dropped passes and balls lost in tackles. There were also a few missed tackles which didn’t help. One good bit of news was that Sam Floyd played his first game today since the Basingstoke fixture in which he got an horrendous injury to his leg which left his bone exposed. It also led to the postponement of the game as they had to wait for an ambulance to arrive. That game has now been rescheduled for 31st January. Sam came through this match unscathed much to the relief of all concerned and is testament to the excellent work that was done in the hospital where he was treated.

This result sees Portsmouth move up to the giddy heights of second in the League on 47 points. Bognor remain top despite loosing to Andover 17-29.
Next week sees the 1’s travelling to Dorset to play Bournemouth 2’s, they beat Winchester 2’s 50-21. Bournemouth are 7th on 37 points.

TEAM
WILL ROLFE(C), BRAD ATKINS, LIAM AVIS
SAM FOSTER, ELLIOTT WORRALL
TOBY WILSON, SAM FLOYD, ANT FOOKS
DOM VUGLAR, GARETH DAVIES
CALLUM GRAHAMSLAW, JOSH HOWELL-WILLIAMS, SAM OLIE, ARCHIE CLEMENCE
TAWANDA MATIPANO

BENCH
JOHN PEARSON, LEWIS MURRAY, HENRI DAVIES

Portsmouth v Winchester, Saturday 10th January 2026, Counties 1 Hampshire League

With Winchester topping the League table before this game and Portsmouth lying in 4th place but with a game in hand, this was a much anticipated fixture by the Portsmouth squad. They also welcomed back Tawanda Matipano who last played in September and November 2023 but had to step down owing to pressure of Uni work. He is now back and this is his first game since then.

Some very good defensive work kept Winchester out as they tried to break the deadlock but Portsmouth were in no mood to concede tries today. Portsmouth gave away a penalty around their 22 and almost in front of the posts but the kick went wide so the score stayed nil-nil.

Portsmouth then set up a good drive to the line and actually crossed but Winchester managed to get arms under the ball thus preventing a try. However the Portsmouth pressure was beginning to have an effect and from a backs move the ball was spun across the pitch and Jay Chatham was on hand to take the final pass and with good speed he raced through to score the opening try. Gareth Davies was on target with the conversion giving Portsmouth a 0-7 lead on 20 minutes. Portsmouth were then penalised for a high tackle and this time they converted the penalty closing the gap to 3-7 with nearly 30 minutes gone.

Shortly after that Portsmouth had a lineout close to the try line and they set up a good rolling maul with captain Will Rolfe driving over for their second try converted by Davies and taking the score to 3-14 on just over the half hour. This lead was extended again when from a line out Portsmouth set up a catch and drive and this time it was second row Toby Wilson who scored. This took the score to 3-19 as the whistle went signalling the end of the first half in which they had scored 3 unanswered tries.

The second half saw Portsmouth empty their bench with Matt Hoban coming on for Josh Howell-Williams in the centre, John Pearson coming on for Henri Davies at 7 and Toby Wilson making way for Lewis Murray at 6. The pleasing thing for the Coaches was that these changes made no difference to the visitors performance apart from the fact that they were fresh and raring to go.

The second half started in much the same vein with Portsmouth being the dominant side and any occasional attacks by Winchester were dealt with very quickly, giving them no room to make ground. Portsmouth were first on the score board again with a penalty kicked by Davies taking the score to 3-22 on 53 minutes. On 60 minutes Portsmouth set up another attack through their backs which saw Jay Chatham take the final pass to score his second and Portsmouth’s 4th bonus point try taking the score to 3-27.

Yet another 3’s attack saw the ball spun across the backs with again Jay Chatham taking the final pass. A delicate kick ahead as he closed in on the try line, saw him race through to dive for the falling ball as it dropped into the in-goal area. He seemed to fly through the air, catching the ball to score the most dramatic try of this season! This was his 3rd try and Portsmouth’s 5th, taking the score to 3-32 with about 10 minutes remaining. John Pearson had the final word for Portsmouth when he scored their 6th try. Davies was on target with the conversion and the final whistle went as the ball cleared to cross bar taking the score to 3-39.

It was a fitting end to what had been a very good performance by the whole Portsmouth squad, especially when you consider this was their first game since 20th December when they travelled to Sandown & Shanklin to win by a single point. Today’s win is their 6th on the bounce. It was also good to see several Portsmouth supporters on the touch line who thoroughly enjoyed the game and the result.

Next week sees Portsmouth at home to Millbrook who today beat Chichester 32-30. Millbrook are in 8th.place. Today’s result sees Bognor now topping the table on 50 points, Winchester are in second on 44 points and Portsmouth are third on 42 points. Basingstoke are in fourth but also on 42 points, They have lost 1 more game than Portsmouth with 1 drawn.

TEAM
WILL ROLFE(C), BRAD ATKINS, LIAM AVIS
SAM FOSTER, ELLOITT WORRALL
TOBY WILSON, HENRI DAVIES, ANT FOOKS
DOM VUGLAR, GARETH DAVIES
JAY CHATHAM, JOSH HOWELL-WILLIAMS, SAM OLIE, FRASER GREEN
TAWANDA MATIPANO

BENCH
JOHN PEARSON, LEWIS MURRAY, MATT HOBAN

Portsmouth v Sandown & Shanklin, Saturday 20th December, Counties 1 Hampshire League

With this the last weekend before Christmas there were a lot of regulars missing so players were drafted in from across the club. The most notable being second row Ian French who once again rolled back the years, he is in his forties now and playing occasionally for the Vets, 3rds, and very occasionally the 2nds. This is his first outing in the 1’s this season and by all accounts he did brilliantly.

Sandown & Shanklin opened the scoring with an unconverted try giving them a 5-0 lead. Shortly after that score Portsmouth lost their No. 10 to a yellow card. Brad Atkins was the first scorer for Portsmouth taking the scores to 5-5. The home side then scored their second try, again unconverted, giving them a 10-5 lead. By now Gareth Davies was back on and a penalty kick saw Portsmouth narrow the gap to 10-8 and that score remained till half time.

Portsmouth took the lead in the second half with a converted try by Ant Fooks, making the score 10-15. the conversion was by Gareth Davies. They went further ahead through a penalty by Gareth Davies, giving them a 10-18 lead. Sandown & Shanklin then hit back with a converted try, closing the gap to 17-18.

Fooks then scored his second try, converted by Davies, taking the lead to 17-25. The home side then scored a converted try taking the score to 24-25. and that was the score when the final whistle went giving Portsmouth the narrowest of wins. All the drafted players performed well but French was the standout player.

This result sees Portsmouth move up to 4th in the league but with a game in hand. Bognor beat Chichester 29-27 to go top and Winchester 2’s beat Basingstoke 19-17 so they go 2nd with Basingstoke 3rd. Our next fixture is Saturday 10th January 2026 when we travel to Winchester 2’s, that promises to be a close game. Lets hope that everyone is back fit and raring to go!
Finally I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a great New Year. See you in 2026.

Portsmouth v Bognor, Saturday 13th December, Counties 1 Hampshire League

An ideal day for a good game of rugby, no wind, bright blue sky and plenty of sunshine, and so it proved. This was always going to be a battle for both sides. Bognor were in 2nd place and Portsmouth had been 4th before last weeks game got abandoned in the first half when they were 4th. That meant that before this game they had slipped to 6th.but with a game in hand. This was also the last home for the 1’s before the Christmas break.

From the start Portsmouth took the game to Bognor and although Bognor responded well it was Portsmouth who opened the scoring first when from a 5 metre scrum Portsmouth got good forward momentum which saw skipper Will Rolfe cross for a try. Matt Higgins was on target with the conversion and the score was 7-0 after about 6 minutes. However that lead didn’t last long when from a lineout close to the Portsmouth try line, Bognor spun the ball out to the backs and their centre ran through to score close to the posts, the try was converted and the score was now 7 a’piece after about 12 minutes.

That lead was short lived when from a penalty against the visitors Matt Higgins put the ball through the uprights to re-take the lead 10-7 after 14 minutes. A good run by the Bognor full back, who showed good pace until he was tackled by Jay Chatham. The ball was quickly re-cycled and they crossed for their second try which was converted taking the score to 10-14 on 22 minutes. Portsmouth then lost prop Liam Avis to a yellow card for a high tackle. Bognor took advantage of the missing Portsmouth player and crossed for their 3rd try taking the score to 10-19 on 24 minutes.

That lead was increased by their 4th try scored with about 3 minutes of the half remaining, taking the score to 10-26. With half time fast approaching Portsmouth set up a good move with the ball going through several pairs of hands until Jay Chatham took the final pass and showed great speed as he raced down the wing to score out wide. Matt Higgins was on target again and the gap was now 17-26 as the half time whistle went.

The second half got underway with Portsmouth seemingly re-energised by the last score. From a series of pick and goes, Portsmouth got in range of the try line and Liam Avis scored their 3rd try – converted by Matt Higgins. This closed the gap to 24-26 on 52 minutes, From a Bognor scrum the Portsmouth pack drove Bognor back at a rate of knots forcing them into giving away a penalty. Matt Higgins was again on target and this saw them re-take a slender lead of 27-26 on 60 minutes.

From a Bognor scrum close to the try line, the Bognor No.8 broke blind and scored out wide taking the score to 27-31 on 65 minutes. From a scrum just inside the Bognor 22 the Portsmouth pack once again drove for the line and eventually crossed for their 4th bonus point try. Higgin’s kick looked to be going over but at the last minute it drifted wide of the outside post. But importantly this gave the lead back to the home side 32-31 on 75 minutes.

The pressure was now mounting on both teams but it was Bognor who cracked first when a player pushed Will Rolfe in the back after the whistle had gone. He was shown a yellow card which was then changed to red following dissent to the ref. In the closing minutes Bognor put a long kick down field which Jay Chatham gathered and he made progress upfield before being tackled around the 22 metre line, Portsmouth were then penalised for not releasing after the tackle. With the kick to the side of the posts but just around the 22 it looked as though the game would be lost but the kick went wide and the final whistle went as the ball crossed the dead ball line, giving a well earned victory to Portsmouth 32-31 amid much jubilation from players and spectators alike.

A lot of the credit for the win must go to the forwards who put a lot of pressure on the Bognor pack. It was a much better performance in the second half by the whole squad.

This result sees Portsmouth move up to 5th on 33 points but with a game in hand. Bognor remain 2nd on 40 points. Basingstoke are 4th. having beaten Sandown & Shanklin 46-15. Next week Portsmouth travel to Sandown & Shanklin for the last game before the break. We all know that Island teams don’t travel well so are always stronger at home. They are currently in 10th place.

On a bright note it was very pleasing to see Sam Floyd at the game supporting his team mates. He is now on crutches following his horrendous injury last week at Basingstoke. And the outcome seems much better than originally feared which is great news. He was certainly in good spirits during the match and after.

TEAM
WILL ROLFE(C), BRAD ATKINS, LIAM AVIS
SAM FOSTER, CHARLIE BODMAN
ALEX BUCK, ANT FOOKS, TOM WHITEHOUSE
DOM VUGLAR, MATT HIGGINS
JAY CHATHAM, ALI MACDONALD, SAM OLIE, CALLUM GRAHAMSLAW
BRAD JEWER

BENCH
JOHN PEARSON, JOSH HOWELL-WILLIAMS, JAMES COLWELL

Portsmouth v Basingstoke, Saturday 6th December, Counties 1 Hampshire League

This game had all the prospects of being a very tight match. With Basingstoke in 3rd place on 31 points and Portsmouth in 4th place on 28 points. The biggest difference between the 2 sides was ‘Stoke’s points difference of 139 against Portsmouth’s 14.

The rain was not too bad but there was a strong wind blowing straight across the pitch which didn’t really give either team an advantage.
The game kicked off at 3.00pm under floodlights. Basingstoke got the match underway and Toby Wilson caught the ball and took play forward before linking with his 3’s. A good kick by Gareth Davies took play deep into the opposition half. ‘Stoke set up an attack but good defence stopped them and a great jackal by Sam Floyd won Portsmouth a penalty just inside the Basingstoke half. Gareth Davies took the ball and elected to kick at goal which dissected the posts giving Portsmouth a 0-3 lead after a couple of minutes.

From the restart ‘Stoke put the ball directly into touch giving Portsmouth a scrum on half way. Portsmouth were then penalised for an infringement in the tackle. From a quickly taken tap penalty they spun the ball across their 3’s with the 2 centre’s showing good handling and speed and eventually they scored a converted try taking the score to 7-3 on 6 minutes.

‘Stoke then got penalised from the restart for holding on after the tackle. A good touch kick by Gareth Davies took play deep in to the ‘Stoke 22 and Portsmouth had a lineout about 7 metres from the try line. Suddenly Will Rolfe got the ball and drove over to score a try, Gareth Davies kick looked as though it was going to dissect the posts but at the last minute with wind took it wide. But this put Portsmouth back in the lead 7-8 with about 15 minutes played.

With play swinging between the 22’s neither side could get real domination. At scrum time it seemed that Portsmouth would put pressure on Basingstoke and vice-versa on Portsmouth’s put in. The ‘Stoke centre’s were causing problems for Portsmouth and they opened up the Portsmouth defence but a final pass was forward much to the relief to the visitors. Portsmouth then lost 2nd row Toby Wilson when he and Sam Olie both tackled the same player resulting in a clash of heads which saw Wilson leave the field with a nose bleed. He was replaced by Henri Davies.

With the game still well-balanced Sam Floyd made a good clearout of a ‘Stoke player then he himself got cleared out or so it seemed. It was all a bit unclear as the next thing we were aware of was Sam Floyd looking at his leg and calling for the Physio. Leane rushed on but also Liam Avis, who is a Charge Nurse in A&E at QA. He went straight into action with Leane and the game was stopped as an ambulance was called for. This all happened on 37 minutes.

A Paramedic arrived very quickly and he assessed the situation and chased up the ambulance which arrived at about 3.45pm. Meanwhile the Ref had suggested the 2 teams retire to the changing rooms as it was going to be a while before Sam Floyd could be moved. By then the spectators were also returning to the comfort of the bar. The next we heard was that the Ref had spoken to both teams and neither showed much enthusiasm for continuing so the game was mutually abandoned, the fixture will be played later in the season, possibly on a blank weekend in January.

The incident was completely accidental and was all as bit of a mystery as it happened almost in front of us but no-one seemed aware of the severity. Such a disappointing way for the game to end what was a very entertaining and exciting match. In the club house after the Referee said how this game was one of the best he had covered for a long time, in fact he wasn’t aware of the time, so engrossed was he. There were big tackles going in from both sides which prompted ooh’s and aah’s from both sets of supporters.

We heard that the Medics didn’t think the leg was broken but would know more when he got to hospital. The later news was that Sam had lacerations from his knee to his ankle which would require surgery tomorrow. Since he joined us from Locks Heath Puma’s he has earned his place in the 1st XV and has been quite fearless in his play. We all wish him a quick recovery and speedy return to action.

TEAM

WILL ROLFE(C), BRAD ATKINS, LIAM AVIS
SAM FOSTER, TOBY WILSON
ALEX BUCK, SAM FLOYD, ANT FOOKS
DOM VUGLAR, GARETH DAVIES
JAY CHATHAM, ALI MACDONALD, SAM OLIE, MATT PILBEAM
IOAN DAVIS

BENCH
JOHN PEARSON, HENRI DAVIES, JAMES COLWELL

Portsmouth V Gosport & Fareham. Saturday 29th November, Counties 1 Hampshire League

The day was preceded by a Former Players Lunch which boosted the spectators on what was a rather wet and cold day to start with but fortunately the weather cleared by the time of kick off.

Gosport got proceedings underway and Portsmouth were straight into attack mode. After Gosport had given a couple of penalties away Portsmouth got clean ball from a line out and Tom Whitehouse, playing at 6, broke with the ball before linking with the backs. The ball eventually found its way to Matt Higgins, who had joined from fullback and with a good turn of speed he crossed the line to score out wide. Gareth Davies conversion hit the upright but bounced back into play so the score was 5-0 after 5 minutes. Shortly after this score Gosport were awarded a penalty which they duly converted taking the score to 5-3 on 10 minutes.

Gosport then lost their open side to a red card for stamping on a Portsmouth players’ hand. This was followed shortly after by a yellow card to a Gosport player for a no arms tackle on the Portsmouth scrum half. Portsmouth were in a pretty dominant mood and this saw 2 tries scored within 5 minutes of each other. The first was by winger Callum Grahamslaw who finished off a good 3’s move when he ran round his opposite number and scored close to the posts. Gareth Davies was on target with the conversion and the lead was now 12-3. The next try was from a penalty awarded to Portsmouth and taken quickly by Gareth Davies who shot through to score close to the posts, he converted his try and the score was now 19-3 with about 30 minutes gone.

As half time approached, Portsmouth were awarded a scrum and the ball was quickly spun to the 3’s who set up a good move which finished with Callum Grahamslaw racing through from just inside the half way line to score close to the posts, again Gareth Davies was on target and the score was now 26-3 as half time approached. This was Callum’s second score and Portsmouth’s 4th try giving them a vital bonus point. The half time whistle went shortly after.

Portsmouth got the second half underway and were soon on the attack again but it took 8 minutes to get the score board moving, this time for a penalty against the visitors. Gareth Davies was again on target and the lead was now 29-3. It looked to all intents and purpose that Callum Grahamslaw had scored his 3rd try when he took the ball around the halfway line and raced down the touch line, breaking 2 or 3 tackles on his way to score. But the Gosport touch judge had put his flag up for a foot in touch, the Portsmouth spectators on that side were adamant that he was 6″ inside the touch line but the ref had no option but to take the touch judges decision and the score was ruled out. So the score still stood at 29-3.

Gosport had been pressing the try line for periods of the second half but the Portsmouth defence held firm but eventually they did manage to find a gap and scored close to the posts. The try was converted and the score was now 29-10. Portsmouth, after defending for periods in the second half, finally broke free and Leo Wall took the final pass from around the Gosport 22 and breaking couple of tackles, he scored between the posts and the touchline. Davies was on target and the score was now 36-10.

Gosport did manage to get the final score from a 3’s move in which they broke through the Portsmouth defence to score their 3rd, try, taking the final score to 36-15. The final whistle went as the ball missed the posts.

The second half was rather disappointing after the dominance shown in the first half and they did seem to loose focus on occasions. They will need to sharpen up next week with a trip to Basingstoke who are currently in 3rd place on 31 points. Portsmouth have now moved up to 4th place on 28 points after today’s win. So next week promises to be a very hard game but one that they are capable of winning if they can produce the performance they are capable of.

TEAM
ALEX BUCK, BRAD ATKINS, LIAM AVIS
SAM FOSTER(C), TOBY WILSON
TOM WHITEHOUSE, SAM FLOYD, ANT FOOKS
DOM VUGLAR, GARETH DAVIES
JAY CHATHAM, SAM OLIE, LEO WALL, CALLIUM GRAHAMSLAW
MATT HIGGINS

BENCH
LEE CHANDLER, HENRI DAVIES, DOM BOURNE

Portsmouth v Andover, Saturday 22nd November, Counties 1 Hampshire League

Travelling to Andover is one of the longer away trips this season. Add to that the cold and persistent rain and it was not the most enjoyable of trips.
However to come away with a 10-15 win is a rarity in itself and certainly made the homeward journey a lot more pleasing. Added to that is the fact that the pitch has something like a 15′ fall from the far end to the clubhouse end and you can understand why it is not everyone’s favourite venue.

Andover kicked off but the ball didn’t go 10 metres so it was a Portsmouth scrum back on the halfway line and for a prolonged time the majority of play took place in the Andover half despite, or because of it, Portsmouth were playing uphill. Andover had a couple of forays into the Portsmouth 22 but some good defence kept them out. Portsmouth then set up an attack from the half way line and despite the wet and slippery conditions, spun the ball across the backs, eventually Jay Chatham took the final pass and be broke a couple of tackles to score his side’s first try. Matt Higgins was unable to add the extras so the score was 0-5 to Portsmouth with about 15 minutes gone.

More pressure from Portsmouth nearly gave them a second score but with the rain handling was becoming difficult as was keeping on your feet. Another attack from Andover was repelled and as Portsmouth got towards the halfway line the whistle went for half time with the score still 0-5 to the visitors.

The second half got underway with both teams trying to get the upper hand despite the difficult conditions. Eventually it was Andover who scored first through a quickly taken tap penalty, they were unable to add the extras so the score was now 5 a’piece with about 55 minutes gone. An excellent drive from the Portsmouth forwards saw them drive the opposition back 15/20 metres before Andover were then penalised for collapsing the maul. From a quickly taken tap penalty Portsmouth scored their second try through a good charge by Liam Avis. The conversion missed but they re-took the lead 5-10 on 60 minutes.

Andover then had a period when they were pressing for a score which eventually came taking the score to 10-10 on 75 minutes. The conversion missed. From an Andover lineout Portsmouth managed to steal the ball and they drove towards the line with Sam Olie taking the final pass to score their third try. Again the kick missed but they were now in the lead again 10-15 with about 5 minutes of full time left. The final whistle went following a kick to touch by the visitors and a very jubilant Portsmouth team deserved the praise from the Coaches.

This has not been a happy hunting ground for Portsmouth over the past few years so this victory was all the sweeter. They played some very good handling rugby despite the slippery conditions and an opposition pack that always gave as good as they got. A thoroughly deserved victory which sees Portsmouth move up to 5th place on 23 points, just 1 point behind Bournemouth 2’s. The whole squad played an important role in today’s win. Winchester 2’s beat Chichester 33-23 to go top.

Next week, Portsmouth welcome Gosport & Fareham, who beat Eastleigh away 14-34. Kick-off is 2pm with a very popular pre-match lunch available from 12:30pm.

TEAM
WILL ROLFE,(C). BRAD ATKINS, LIAM AVIS
SAM FOSTER, TOBY WILSON
HENRI DAVIES, SAM FLOYD, ANT.FOOKS
DOM VUGLER, MATT HIGGINS
JAY CHATHAM, SAM OLIE, LEO WALL, BRAD JEWER
ARCHIE CLEMENCE

BENCH
CHARLIE BODMAN, CALLUM GRAHAMSLAW, DOM BOURNE

Portsmouth v Eastleigh 2nds, Saturday 8th November, Counties 1 Hampshire League

The game was preceded by all teams playing at Rugby Camp lining up in front of the Club House in memory of Roy Harris, a proud Cornish man and Club legend of many years standing who sadly passed away last week aged 92. The funeral will be at Portchester Crematorium on Friday 21st.November at 10.00a.m. followed by the Wake at Portsmouth Rugby Club.

This was the first league match since October 18th when we lost narrowly to Guernsey 2nds, away and in some respects it showed. The cohesion they usually showed was not quite there and for the opening 10-15 minutes not a lot happened, both sides looking for dominance with Portsmouth just about having the upper hand. Jay Chatham at fullback made a great break and took play deep into the Eastleigh half before being tackled, He managed to get the ball away but as another attack started the final pass went into touch.

From an Eastleigh line out just inside their 22 Portsmouth managed to steal the ball and No. 8 Fooks was on hand to pick IT UP and ran through to score out wide. The kick missed and Portsmouth had an early lead 5-0 on 18 minutes. A couple of minutes later Fooks was again taking the ball into the Eastleigh half and a kick into the in-goal area saw
winger Tom Whitehouse, back in Portsmouth colours again, race through to win the race to touch down and score their 2nd try which Gareth Davies converted taking the score 12-0.

From the re-start skipper Will Rolfe took the ball and made good progress to the try line before being caught. He managed to off load the ball and Sam Olie was on hand to score close to the posts. Davies was successful with the conversion and the score now stood at 19-0 on 25 minutes. It was then the turn of Eastleigh to get on the score sheet following a period of pressure. Their conversion missed and the score was now 19-5 on 27 minutes. That score seemed to spur on Eastleigh as their confidence grew and they were rewarded with a second try which was converted taking the score to 19-12, just before half time. From a tap penalty Will Rolfe took the ball and shouldered his way to the try line giving Portsmouth a bonus point in the process taking the score to 24-12. The half time whistle went shortly after.

The second half got underway and penalties against the home side saw Eastleigh get close to the Portsmouth try line. Another penalty against Portsmouth saw Eastleigh take a quick tap and go and they ran through to score their 3rd try, which was mainly the result of poor tackling. The conversion was good and the score was now 24-19. The Portsmouth forwards were pretty dominant at scrum time and a good trundle to the line was just pushed into touch by some desperate action from the forwards, preventing a try.

Portsmouth soon made amends when they charged down an Eastleigh kick and Fooks was on hand to race through to touch down close to the dead ball line, Davies was again on target and the score was now 31-19, with about 5 minutes left. Following a penalty against Portsmouth, Eastleigh kicked to touch for a lineout. Portsmouth stole the ball and kicked to touch and the final whistle went with a bonus point victory to Portsmouth 31-19.

After the match Eastleigh were heard to say that they were generally please with the result bearing in mind some of the scores they have suffered this season.

This result sees Portsmouth move up 1 place to 6th, on 19 points just 1 point ahead of Andover who lost away to Guernsey 2nds, 23-15. Andover are 7th.
Bognor are top of the League after beating Winchester 2nds 48-24.
Our next game is in 2 weeks time when we travel to Andover, there are no fixtures next weekend.

TEAM
WILL ROLFE(C), BRAD ATKINS, LIAM AVIS
ELLIOTT WORRALL, TOBY WILSON
ALEX BUCK, SAM FLOYD, ANT FOOKS
ELLIOT DAVIS, GARETH DAVIES
TOM WHITEHOUSE, ALI MACDONALD, SAM OLIE, CALLUM GRAHAMSLAW
JAY CHATHAM

BENCH
LEWIS MURRAY, HENRI DAVIES, LEE CHANDLER

Portsmouth v GUERNSEY 2nds, Saturday 18th October, Counties 1 Hampshire League

Due to a 6am start for the away game to Guernsey 2nds, there were a few changes to the team from last week as some players couldn’t leave so early due to work commitments and family arrangements. As I was also unable to travel this will be a very brief match report. Despite the changes the team put up a good fight and eventually lost what was a very close fought match 38-35.

They did however, come away with 2 bonus points which kept them in 7th place, This was Guernsey’s first win of the season which made the result rather disappointing for the players. We now don’t have a game until Saturday 8th November, when we play Eastleigh at Rugby camp. This will be a 2:30pm K.O.

Winchester 2nds. beat Gosport & Fareham 54-24 and are top of the table and still unbeaten.

TEAM:
ALEX BUCK, BRAD ATKINS, ADAM PARKS-DARE
LEWIS MURRAY, ELLIOTT WORRALL
HENRI DAVIES, SAM FLOYD, ANT FOOKS
DOM VUGLER, GARETH DAVIES
JAMES COLWILL, SAM OLIE, BRAD JEWER, JAY CHATHAM
JAS SOLANKI

BENCH
LEE CHANDLER, FINN PARRY, ARCHIE CLEMENCE

Portsmouth v Bournemouth 2nds, Saturday 11th October, Counties 1 Hampshire League

After a rather tentative start by both sides Portsmouth, through Henri Davies, managed to steal a ball at a Bournemouth scrum in the Portsmouth half. He raced away taking play into the Bournemouth half where Bournemouth were penalised and Gareth Davies put in a nice touch kick giving his side a 5 metre line out. Having secured the ball Portsmouth drove to the line and Matt Hoban crashed over for the first score of the match. The conversion missed and the score was now 5-0 after about 3 minutes. From the re-start Sam Foster leapt in the air to catch the ball and made ground before being stopped. The ball was laid back and Portsmouth drove for the line, with Fooks being attributed with the score. Gareth Davies was successful with the conversion and the score was now 12-0 with about 10 minutes gone. The Portsmouth pack was pretty much in control at scrum time but the Bournemouth backs were a much bigger threat. And so they proved when the scored their first points through their No.13 who side-stepped his way to the try line, touching down close to the posts. The kick was successful taking the score to 12-7 on about 15 minutes.

From the re-start Portsmouth won a penalty which was reversed due to dissent, giving Bournemouth a chance to clear their lines. However Portsmouth were soon on the attack again and this time it was Jas Solanki who stepped his way through the defenders for their 3rd try on 23 minutes taking the score to 17-7. The conversion missed. 2 minutes later it was the turn of Bournemouth to score their second try taking the score to 17-12. From the re-start Portsmouth took the ball up field with Matt Hoban taking the final pass. He made an aggressive run from around the 22 charging his way through defenders and eventually broke clear to score out wide. The conversion missed and the lead increased to 22-12 on 28 minutes. That was Portsmouth’s 4 try so the bonus point was in the bag. From a penalty against the home side, Bournemouth took a quick penalty and from about 6 metres from the try line and scored close to the posts, with the conversion good the score was now 22-19. And that was the score when the half time whistle was blown.

Matt Hoban was replaced at half time due to a ham string problem. His place was taken by Bryn Rainford making his first appearance this season. Portsmouth were continuing to dominate at scrum time, pushing the Bournemouth pack of their own ball. A good drive by Portsmouth stand in skipper, Billy Rolfe saw him take the ball and side step his way through the opposition and run round to dot down close to the posts. Gareth Davies was on target with his conversion and the lead was now 29-19 on 57 minutes.

Bournemouth then managed to intercept a pass and their second row broke clear but was hauled down by Jay Chatham who had to race from his wing. Unfortunately there was a Bournemouth support player outside the tackled player who took the final pass to score a converted try on 65 minutes. The score was now 29-26. This was then followed by 2 penalties on 70 and 73 minutes which saw Bournemouth firstly draw level then take the lead 29-32.

This seemed to awaken Portsmouth and a lovely kick by Gareth Davies following a penalty against Bournemouth saw Portsmouth have line out 5 metres from the try line. A series of pick and goes by Portsmouth kept being repelled by Bournemouth, when a sudden change by scrum half Alex Duffas, who had had a very good game throughout, saw him pass a quick ball to Gareth Davies who launched himself over the try line for that all important score to re-take the lead 34-32. His conversion missed and the final whistle went giving a victory and 5 points to Portsmouth.

It was good to see Alex Duffas back in Portsmouth colours, his pace and speed of passing were invaluable today. Second row Sam Foster also had a good game, it was a surprise to see so many re-starts from Bournemouth kicked in his direction as he rose high and took clean catches every time, making ground on each occasion. Alex Buck had a good game at No.8 and the forwards gave Bournemouth plenty of problems. The Bournemouth backs however were a different proposition and posed the biggest threat. Their left winger has apparently clocked a tad over 10 seconds for the 100 metres. I would hazard a guess that he is the fastest in our league. It was only frantic defence that stopped them using him to greater effect. Twice Portsmouth got marched back 10 metres for dissent and 1 penalty was reversed which they scored from.

This result sees Portsmouth move up 1 place to 7th. on 12 points. Millbrook beat Guernsey at home 44-33 to stay 1 place above us, also on 12 points but with a better points difference. Next week sees Portsmouth travel to Guernsey who are without a win this season so far. Winchester are top of the league unbeaten so far, with Basingstoke in second place having drawn away to Bognor 30-30.

TEAM
BILLY ROLFE, ANT FOOKS, LIAM AVIS
MATT HOBAN, SAM FOSTER
HENRI DAVIES, SAM FLOYD, ALEX BUCK
ALEX DUFFAS, GARETH DAVIES
CALLUM GREENSLAW, SAM OLIE, BRAD JEWER, JAY CHATHAM
JAS SOLANKI

BENCH
BRAD ATKINS, BRYN RAINFORD, MATT PILBEAM