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…
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
Warlingham 47 – 7 Portsmouth
Jim Dixon writes Portsmouth travelled to Warlingham on a bitterly cold and windy day but at least the sun was shining. This has not been a very happy hunting ground for Portsmouth over the last few seasons and today proved to be no exception, losing 47 – 7. Portsmouth got proceedings underway and were soon on the attack after winning a penalty in their half which saw flyhalf Gareth Davies place a lovely touch kick on the Warlingham 5 metre line. Portsmouth strove hard for a try but good defence by the home side kept them at bay and eventually a missed pass was picked up by Warlingham and they kicked up field which then saw Portsmouth defending mightily and eventually Davies managed to clear their lines with a kick to the halfway line. With the Warlingham backs posing some problems for Portsmouth they crossed for their first try after…
Portsmouth 34 – 38 Fawley
Danny Harries writes… Despite Fawley being top of the table we gave them a really good game, leading throughout, but they eventually clawed their way back into it and scored the winner with a few minutes to go. Disappointing for the boys as we lost another game by a fine margin. Mentions for young Tommy Hare who had a good game scoring two tries and scoring a handful of penalty kicks. Two tries also for Apisai which were well taken. Hopefully turn the results around with one game before Xmas.
Locksheath Pumas 19 – 19 Portsmouth Veterans
Tom Radbourne writes… Tries were scored byTom RadbourneDaniel StonemanAlfie Oliver 2 conversions by Steve Clunie A fabulous game played in great spirits…with a very happy and keen ref Alfie Oliver who played 10 (and is 10 years old) was MOTM…he won the coveted prize of putting the shirts away!
Portsmouth 24 – 19 Ventnor
Danny Harris writes… A good win for the 2’s against Ventnor, 24-19 moving them deservingly up the table in Hampshire 1.Portsmouth started slowly with a series of cheap penalties leading to an early try for the visitors. Once Portsmouth got a hold of the game and played with some structure they quickly levelled up matters with a good try from Chris Hart (Ticker/Tipper). With both teams exchanging scores, a further try from the excellent Scott Weatherhead kept Portsmouth very much in the game. The latter stages were a tight affair (similar to the reverse fixture earlier in the season) with the visitors leading by 2 points with 2 minutes to play. Some great work from the forwards, lead to ball be spread wide with a wonderful pass from Danny Harris to go wide to Tommy Hare to score to much jubilation from the home side and their fans. All tries were converted by…
Portsmouth 33 – 7 Old Georgians
Jim Dixon writes… Portsmouth welcomed Old Georgians to Rugby Camp hoping to make amends for last weeks poor performance against Petersfield.The match was preceeded by a Memorial Lunch in honour of former Club Captain Steve Todd who tragically passed away last year. The lunch was attended by over 90 members, friends and family. After an excellent meal provided by former player Jimmy Martin there were 5 short but really poignant speeches from Club Members which provided a very emotional response from all present. Old Georgians got proceedings underway with a good crowd providing plenty of vocal support for the home side. Portsmouth soon showed their attacking intent and only a misjudged pass prevented the first score. Portsmouth actually then crossed the line but were deemed to have been held up. Eventually pressure told and they crossed for the first try through Elliott Worrall, showing good pace, and converted by Solanki…
Portsmouth 27 – 15 Alton
Jim Dixon writes… Portsmouth were intent on showing that last weeks good win over Old Georgians was no fluke. Playing with a stiff breeze at their backs, were soon pressing the visitors line. A penalty to Portsmouth was converted by Gareth Davies and Portsmouth were 3 – 0 up in just a couple of minutes. From the re-start No.8 Aaron Beesley made good ground before Alton were again penalised giving Davies a kick to touch 5 metres from the try line. Beesley again took the ball and made good ground before laying the ball back to be picked up by Brad Atkins who crossed for their first try. Davies’ conversion was true and they had a 10 – 0 lead on 7 minutes. Shortly after the re-start Davies again put in a good kick down field which bounced over the head of the defending winger, fortunately Luke Peters did what…
Trojans 30 – 19 Portsmouth
Jim Dixon writes… Portsmouth travelled the short distance to Eastleigh with a slightly changed side from last weeks victory. It was a cold and breezy day but at least the rain stayed away. Portsmouth kicked off and Trojans gathered the ball and kicked back down field. The ball was fielded by full back Jashan Solanki who started off on a rather tentative run. As he gathered pace and the opposition seemed to stand off him he broke through the defence and just kept on going until he was tackled inches away from the line but he managed to stretch out and place the ball over the try line. Chandlers conversion just missed and the led 0 – 5 with only a few minutes on the clock. From the restart Portsmouth were penalised for not releasing the tackled player and from the penalty Trojans narrowed the gap to 3 – 5…