Portsmouth 25 – 0 Gosport & Fareham
Jim Dixon writes…
Portsmouth played their final warm up game at Rugby Camp, thier first home game for goodness knows how long. The match took place following the Presidents Lunch attended by 80 members who enjoyed a very good lunch with lots of tales of yester year.
Gosport got proceedings under way playing into a stiff breeze but were soon on the attack with their forwards putting the home side under pressure. Portsmouth managed to hold them at bay and gradually managed to work their way up to the Visitor’s 22 when they were awarded a penalty which was converted giving them a 3 – 0 lead. More pressure from the visiting pack saw Portsmouth again defending well, managing to repel several drives for the line. Eventually Portsmouth again worked their way up field and were awarded a second penalty but the kick went wide. Gosport then had a chance to level the score with a penalty in front of the posts but the kick went wide and half time whistle went with Portsmouth hanging on to a 3 – 0 lead.
The second half saw Portsmouth take advantage of the following wind and were soon camped deep in the Gosport half. Eventually from a good catch and drive the forwards drove over the line for the first Portsmouth try awarded to Anthonh Fooks. The conversion missed and the lead was now 8 – 0 with about 60 minutes played. A second push over try scored by Matt Hoban soon followed giving the home side a 13 – 0 lead as the conversion just missed. This was soon followed by a well taken try by the backs which increased their score to 18 – 0. Again the conversion missed. From the re-start Portsmouth caught the ball and spun it wide which enabled them to score their 4th. try under the posts. The conversion was successful giving them a deserved 25 – 0 lead and the final whistle went.
A harder game than last week was just what the team needed especially with a changed pack. Portsmouth stuck to the game plan well throughout the match, defending well especially in the first half. And better fitness served them well in the second half. Yet again the whole squad performed well throughout the game although some of the passing was a bit ‘hit & miss’.
Next week sees the start of the League season with an away game to Andover, never an easy place to go to, so it will be interesting to see how that goes.
Andover 31 – 27 Portsmouth
Jim Dixon writes…
Portsmouth travelled to Andover for the opening League match of the new season and their first competitive match for nearly two years with a comparatively new team. Three players were also making their 1st XV debut appearance. Matt Hyde, prop. Scott Weatherhead, winger and Dan Perry, flanker.
Portsmouth found themselves playing uphill and into a stiff breeze and were soon under pressure from the Andover pack. Good defence held them out however and they
gradually managed to work their way into the home side’s half. Following a good move which was finished off by Connor Chalton on the wing Portsmouth were first on the score board with a try although Lee Chandler couldn’t add the extra 2 points giving them a 0 – 5 lead after about 7 minutes. Andover soon hit back and scored a try through their prop who ran in under the posts following some poor defence by Portsmouth. The score was converted, and they took the lead
7 -5 on 10 minutes. The game then swung from end to end with Portsmouth squandering a couple of scoring chances through poor passing. After a period of pressure from Andover they increased their lead with a try from their No.8 which they converted, giving them a 14 – 5 lead with about 33 minutes gone. Prop Rhys Bowen then came off, to be replaced by Jordan Cracknell and the half time whistle went with Andover leading 14 – 5.
SECOND HALF
The second half started with Darren Crabb making way for Darren Leggott in the second row for Portsmouth. Portsmouth were able to close the gap to 14 – 8 after being awarded a penalty which Lee Chandler converted on 42 minutes. Playing down the slope and with a following wind Portsmouth were able to string some good moves together and flanker Anthony Fooks score a good try which was not converted, the score was now 14 – 13. A penalty to Andover saw them increase their lead to 17 – 13. Shortly after Chandler had to leave the field with an injury. Sam Ollie replaced him. More pressure from Portsmouth saw them score their third try which was converted by Tom Harrison giving them back the lead 17 – 20 with about 10 minutes remaining. Andover soon hit back with a converted try when they managed to work an overlap to score near the posts giving them back the lead 24 – 20. Tom Harrison then had to leave the field after a good run by him saw him tap tackled and he hit the hard ground with his knees. Rhys Bowen then came back on. More pressure from Portsmouth saw them retake the lead after a good move was finished by flanker Dan Perry scoring in the corner. This was their fourth bonus point try, which was converted, with an excellent kick from the touch line by Tom Hopkins, making the score 24 – 27. with about 2 minutes remaining. Andover then managed to work another overlap to score their fourth try which was converted giving the lead back at 31 – 27 and the final whistle went.
A very disappointing result for Portsmouth although this has never been a happy hunting ground for Portsmouth, who had some opportunities but were not able to turn them into points. Next week sees Portsmouth return to Rugby Camp for a fixture with Trojans. Trojans had a good win against Old Georgians 31– 8 which puts them in 3rd place. Portsmouth are in 8th.place. Warlingham top the table with a 41 – 8 win against Old Emanuel.
Portsmouth II 8 – 13 Gosport & Fareham 2nd XV
Mike Caspall writes…
Portsmouth Casuals hosted Gosport 2nds this weekend at rugby camp and lost a hard fought match 8 – 13. We were slow to get going, came under pressure in the scrum and gave away too many penalties, Gosport capitalized with 2 penalties and converted try. A dogged Pompey pack regained composure and threatened the Gosport line, a much changed Gosport side led 13-0 at the turn. Some stern word from captain Danny Harris saw a different team take the field in the second half – Joe Slater strong supporting run crossed the line, followed by a successful penalty meant it was all to play for, 5pts in the game with 15 on the clock, Portsmouth camped in the opposition 22 for much of the second half, twice over the line but not deemed a try and unable to use the width saw the game end 8 – 13 much to Gosport’s relief. A hard fought contest team dug deep to get back into the game and lots of positives in the second half to take to forward for the season.
Portsmouth 22 – 24 Trojans
Jim Dixon writes…
Portsmouth welcomed Trojans to Rugby Camp for their 2nd League match, hoping to put the disappointment of last weeks loss against Andover behind them.
Trojans got the game underway and were soon putting pressure on the Portsmouth line, but the home side were able to hold them out and following a penalty were able to get into the Trojans half. Eventually Trojans, from a scrum, won good ball and their No.8 took the ball from the base of the scrum and he crossed for the first try of the match just wide of the posts. The conversion missed and the score on 4 minutes was 0 – 5 to the visitors. 4 minutes later Portsmouth won a penalty following good pressure and fly-half Gareth Davies slotted to conversion making the score 3 – 5. Portsmouth were able to put pressure on Trojans with some good kicking from Davies. With the game swinging from end to end it was Portsmouth who scored next with a penalty by Davies making the score 6 – 5 with about 22 minutes on the clock. Portsmouth then had a lucky break following a good Trojans move which saw the final pass being adjudged forward. Their luck didn’t hold out for long however when a good move from Trojans saw some slick interpassing in their backs which resulted in a try close to the posts which was converted making the score 6 – 12 to Trojans. Trojans were soon on the attack again and were able to add another converted try giving them a 6 – 19 lead as the half time whistle went. Two Trojans tries in about 4 minutes certainly didn’h help the home side’s cause.
The second half started with Portsmouth applying pressure to the visitors and after about 45 minutes they were again on the score board thanks to a Gareth Davies penalty. 9 – 19
More pressure from Portsmouth soon bought more reward to them with another Gareth Davies penalty closing the gap to 12 – 19 with about 53 minutes on the clock. Then came a bit of just reward to Portsmouth when following a good kick from the home side’s fly half the ball was collected just in the Trojans half and eventually a good inside pass to second row Darren Crabb saw him sell a dummy and run in from around the 22 mt. line to score just wide of the posts. The try was converted by Gareth Davies and the scores were now level at 19 apiece, with about 10 minutes remaining. The Portsmouth forwards were now working well and were getting the upper hand. A penalty to Portsmouth from near the half way line saw the kick just fall tantalisingly short. This was Gareth Davies’ first miss of the afternoon. With about 6 minutes remaining Portsmouth were awarded another penalty which was converted by Davies giving Portsmouth a slender 22 – 19 lead. The home side then lost two players to yellow cards in quick succession as they fought desperately to hang on to their lead. However, Trojans with their full compliment were able to set up a move with their 3’s and they scored a try wide out which they couldn’t convert but gave them the lead 22 – 24 as the final whistle went much to the bitter disappointment of the Portsmouth players and spectators alike.
A very bitter pill indeed!
As a result of Saturday’s loss Portsmouth drop 1 place to 9th with 3 points. Next weeks opponents are Weybridge Vandals who lost to Old Georgians 16 – 14 putting them in 8th.place on points difference -2 against -6. Old Cranleighans top the table with a resounding victory over Old Emanual 12 – 45.
Weybridge Vandals 10 – 0 Portsmouth
Jim Dixon writes…
Portsmouth travelled to Weybridge with many changes to the team that played last week and with Sam Olie a late withdrawal from the bench his place was taken by Tim Weald Who has recently joined the Club. Mark Ovens was making his welcomed first league appearance this season at full back.
Conditions were pretty atrocious with a strong wind and pouring rain as Weybridge got proceedings underway playing with the elements in their favour. From an early Portsmouth scrum, Toby Cripps made good ground before releasing the ball to winger Tom Hopkins but his final pass was deemed forward giving Weybridge a scrum. Portsmouth then managed to force them into a knock on and were able get the ball away upfield. Portsmouth then lost Mark Ovens 10 minutes into the game when he made a tackle on an attacking player who used a forearm to his head to fend him off. Ovens then had to leave the field with concussion. His place was taken by Tim Weald. There was no sanction from the official. The Portsmouth scrum was beginning to come under pressure but despite that, No.8 Ollie Simpson was able to take the ball and move up field. 20 minutes into the game Weybridge were awarded a penalty almost in front of the posts which they managed to convert having missed an earlier one from a similar position, giving them a 3 – 0 lead. A good kick up field by flyhalf Keiran McRoberts saw Portsmouth put Weybridge under pressure causing them to knock on. But try as they might the visitors just couldn’t find a way through the resolute defence and eventually the half time whistle went with Weybridge leading by a solitary penalty 3 – 0.
As Portsmouth got the second half under way prop Brad Atkins was taken off to be replaced by Adam Parks-Dare. Unfortunately for the visitors the wind had now dropped to just a gentle breeze although the rain was still pretty heavy. Portsmouth were struggling to get a hold on the game and after a while No.8 Ollie Simpson came off to be replaced by Bryn Rainsford, Weybridge then had a chance to further increase their lead with a penalty awarded in front of the posts but the kick missed. With the game going from end to end and both sides struggling to hold on the the slippery ball, scrum half Elloit Davis came off to be replaced by Brad Atkins., He went in to replace Greg Hoolihan as hooker and Greg moved to the No.9 position. Weybridge were continuing with their scrum dominance and from a set piece inside the Portsmouth 22 they managed to drive over the try line for a hotly disputed try. As the pile of players broke up Portsmouth emerged with the ball but the referee stood by his decision. With the conversion in front of the posts secured Weybridge took a 10 – 0 lead on 62 minutes. Portsmouth then had a change in the 2nd row as Toby Cripps came off to be replaced by Ollie Simpson. He took the No.8 spot with Rainsford going in to the second row. Portsmouth then managed to spoil a Weybridge lineout to set up a good move in the 3’s but were still unable to make that all important breakthrough. Portsmouth then looked to have a good scoring chance as the ball was kicked down field but the final bounce evaded winger Tom Hopkins and the covering Weybridge fullback was just able to fly kick the ball into touch as the final whistle went with the score 10 – 0.
A very disappointing result for the visitors who despite all the changes, worked hard to get on the score board but to no avail. The conditions certainly made handling difficult and both sides had trouble holding on to the ball which was like a bar of soap at times. Also it seemed as though the visitors were on the wrong end of some decisions which didn’t help their cause. The one good thing to came out of the match was the display of Tim Weald at full back who was solid under attack and had a very strong kicking game.
As Ovens will be out for a while with his concussion he could be a much needed replacement.
Next week is a rest week which hopefully will give Portsmouth time to regroup in readiness of the visit to Rugby Camp of Petersfield who beat Old Georgians away 14 – 27 which sees them in 5th.place. Trojans are top after beating Basingstoke 50 – 5. Andover are second after being awarded a home walkover v Old Emanual. Portsmouth remain in 9th.place.
Chichester III 19-59 Portsmouth 3rd Xv
Dan Wells writes
Portsmouth 3’s made the short trip along the A27 to face Chichester 3’s. Despite the wind and the rain. Despite a few late call ups to the 2nd XV, the side saw some new faces making their first starts for Portsmouth as well as a few returning players to the club. Everyone was in good spirits, looking to keep the good run of form going after the win against Locks Heath Pumas last Saturday. As expected the game was dominated by the number of scrums due to the wet conditions. Both sides made good possession going forward in the early stages but came up short due to finding it difficult to hold on to the ball. Portsmouth defended well from the line outs. Jordan Carrington getting the better of his opposite jumper on a number of occasions. Excellent kick clearances from Thomas Hare but Portsmouth were unlucky to be down 12-0 at half time. The second half saw the arrival of some new faces coming on to the pitch thanks to Portsmouth’s own Sully bringing some friends from the army, who wanted a game. They made a big impact from the kickoff, making a lot of line breaks, offloads and stretching the Chichester defence and after 10 minutes Portsmouth were ahead 14-12. A first senior try went to scrum half Frazer MacKenzie. Another stand out moment in the second half was Ian ‘Dory’ Douglas catching two consecutive kick offs with only being able to see out of one eye whilst sliding across the soaked Chichester pitch!! Final score Chichester 3XV 19 – 59 Portsmouth 3XV.
Portsmouth Veterans 36 – 39 Gosport & Fareham
Jim Dixon writes…
With no senior league matches today it was left to Portsmouth Vets to fly the Portsmouth flag with a rearranged fixture against a Gosport & Fareham 3rd.XV as the home side’s original opponents, Winchester Vets, called off on Tuesday as they were unable to raise a team.
What a difference a week makes, after the lashing rain and gale force wind of last week today saw a lovely calm day with plenty of warm sunshine for the good crowd of spectators to bask in.Gosport got proceedings underway but Portsmouth were soon on the attack and 5 minutes into the game from a 5 metre Portsmouth scrum Jamie McLaughlin took the ball and dummied to go open but stepped inside with a clear run in for their first try. The conversion narrowly missed and they took a 5 – 0 lead on 5 minutes, Play went from end to end with the Portsmouth scrum pretty dominant but eventually the speedy Gosport backs put a good move together to score their first try which was converted, giving them a 5 – 7 lead on 15 minutes. After more Gosport pressure they were able to increase that lead with another converted try taking the score to 5 – 14. Portsmouth were soon back in scoring mode when from a solid scrum second row Scott Mckecknie crossed for a try to close the gap to 10 – 14. Gosport then extended their lead with a try on 36 minutes, taking the score to 10 – 19. Portsmouth were then able to close the gap following a good scrum which resulted in No.8 Dan Stoneman dotting down. The conversion hit the post but bounced out,. The score was now 15 – 19. A penalty to Gosport from almost in front of the posts saw them extend their lead to 15 – 22 as the half time whistle went.
Portsmouth got the second half underway and began pressing the Gosport line but eventually Gosport managed to work the ball upfield through their backs and scored wide out taking the score to 15 – 27. More good work from the Portsmouth Vets saw Chris Leggett cross for a try which was converted to close the gap to 22 – 27. Portsmouth continued to have the upper hand in the forwards but the younger and speedier Gosport backs were causing some problems and they soon were able to extend their lead with another try to 22 – 32. They soon added yet another converted try extending their lead to 22 – 39. Portsmouth were not to be denied however and good pressure saw them add a converted try by Chris Hart, closing the gap to 29 – 39. With time running out Portsmouth again pressurised the Gosport line and a fine try which was converted closed the gap to a tantalising 36 – 39 with only a few minutes remaining. The scorer remained anonymous! . Portsmouth tried desperately to secure the winning try but the referee’s whistle beat them thus closing what had been a very enjoyable and entertaining game which was enjoyed by a good crowd with a lot of banter going around. Portsmouth certainly held the upper hand in the forwards but had problems containing the younger and speedier Gosport backs.. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon in the sunshine although I think the players were feeling the heat by the final whistle.
Next week sees a resumption of League matches with Portsmouth 1st XV taking on Petersfield at Rugby Camp.
Valkyries 2nd Xv 50 – 15 Camberley Ladies
On Sunday 10th, the Valkyries 2nd XV comfortably beat Camberley Ladies in a league match at Rugby Camp, 50-15. Team manager Mark Witcher reports, “A decent crowd gathered today to watch the Valkyries 2nd XV Play their second league game of the season today coming out victorious. New & inexperienced players slotted in against older heads, and didn’t take a backward step. Camberley unfortunately we’re hit with several injuries in the game which led to both teams playing with 12 a side (as per NC3 rules). The Valkyries managed to score 8 tries, with Abi Sondack & Dani Burgess grabbing a brace each. With 2 wins from 2 the 2s currently find themselves top of the league. Back-of-the-match was Megan Wright and the forward-of-the -match was Abi Sondack.
Portsmouth 12 – 36 Old Walcountians
Jim Dixon writes…
I think this is the first time Portsmouth have welcomed Old Walcountians to Rugby Camp in a League match. It was an extremely windy day but, thankfully, the rain stayed away although it was very cold indeed.
Old Walcountians got proceedings underway playing into the strong wind. A good take by Rob Gicquel saw Portsmouth go on the attack but a kick ahead was quickly gathered by O.W’s and they soon got themselves in the home sides’ 22 . Good defence by Portsmouth saw them take play back towards the half way line. A good counter attack by O.W’s saw them press for their first score but a knock on ended the attack. Portsmouth were not only struggling to win clean line-out ball, partly due to the wind, but were also struggling to get parity at scrum time. Credit to Portsmouth’s defence it was nearly 25 minutes before O.W’s got on the score board through a good backs move which saw them score near the touch line giving them a 0 – 5 lead. 4 minutes later they added to that score with a second unconverted try following some good support play taking the score to 0 – 10. From a Portsmouth scrum, No8 Aaron Beesley broke blind and made about 20 metres, knocking would be defenders out of the way and eventually a Portsmouth player appeared to cross the line to score. The referee initially raised his arm to signal a try then changed his mind and said the ball was held up giving O.W’s a kick from the goal line. This seemed to spur Portsmouth on and they were soon on the attack following another good run by Beesley. The ball was spun wide across the backs and eventually centre Rasi dived over for Portsmouth’s first try making the score 5 – 10 as the half time whistle went.
The second half saw Portsmouth playing into the wind as they got the game underway. 2-3 minutes into the restart O.W’s flyhallf gathered the ball and slipping a couple of tackles scored under the posts taking their lead to 5 -17 as the conversion went over. This seemed to spur Portsmouth on and were soon camped well in the O.W’s 22 and only a knock on prevented them for scoring. A penalty against the home side saw O.W’s clear their lines. However O.W’s were soon back on the attack and their 3rd. score came about 53 minutes into the game with a converted try taking their score to 5 – 24. Another quick score was only averted by some good Portsmouth defence as the visitors crossed the line but Portsmouth managed to hold the ball up. However their next try came on 65 minutes following a kick ahead in which the ball bounced up nicely into the path of the following player who touched down out wide taking the score to 5 – 29. Portsmouth were still not done and another good effort by them was rewarded when Anthony Fooks, now playing No.8 in place of Aaron Beesley, scored a well deserved try converted by Gareth Davies taking the score to 12 – 29, following a good break by fly half Gareth Davies in which the ball went thorough several hands before Fooks finished off the move. O.W’s had the last say as they added to more tries in fairly quick time taking the final score to 12 – 36.
Although a very disappointing result there were moments during the game when Portsmouth put in some really good handling moves and showed good promise. Gareth Davies at flyhallf got his backs moving well on occasions and Aaron Beesley made some good aggressive runs. Brad Atkins also showed some good footwork with ball in hand and centre Rasi played probably his best game yet with some good tackling and direct running. Portsmouth probably played better than the score line might suggest but that is not to say that O.W’s didn’t deserve their win.
Today’s result sees Portsmouth stay in 11th.place on 8 points and O.W’s 4th. on 29 points. Petersfield stay top after beating Old Cranleighans 46 – 5. Next weeks opponents are Warlingham who are in 3rd.,place following their 57 – 0 defeat of Old Georgians.
Ivybridge Women 34 – 8 Portsmouth Valkyries
Mark Witcher writes…
The Valkyries went down valiantly to a well drilled a Ivybridge side 34-8. We only went there with 17 players, and held them to 0-0 for 30mins. A speedy winger and 5 extra subs made the difference. Special mention must go to Isobel Unwin who made her first xv debut after only ever playing a half against the navy the week before, and had an outstanding game! Jordan Wilshire scored our only try and Chloe Sopp had the last word kicking a penalty at the end.
Table topping London Irish this Sunday the 5th – 14:00 ko