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 about 15 minutes giving them a 7  –  0 lead.  Portsmouth then put in a good attacking move but Warlingham managed to steal the ball and although they crossed the Portsmouth try line they lost control of the ball going over to score.  However they were soon back on the attack and scored their second try near the touch line.  The conversion missed and the score was now 12  –  0.  Their third score came from a Portsmouth 5 metre scrum in which Warlingham pushed the visitors over the try line and managed to touch down.  The conversion took the score to 19  –  0.  Just before half time they scored their forth converted try to lead by 26  –  0.  To make matters worse for Portsmouth they then lost Gareth Davies to a yellow card for a no arms tackle.  The half time whistle followed shortly after,

The second half got under way and Portsmouth put in some good defensive hits and then began to string some good passages together but they just couldn’t get over the try line. 

Warlingham were unable to take advantage of Portsmouth’s yellow card and 8 minutes into the second half Portsmouth were back to a full compliment.  Warlingham had to wait until the 64th minute for their next score which took the lead to 33  –  0.  Another converted try by Warlingham took their lead to 40  –  0. With about 20 minutes remaining Portsmouth then got prop  Ian Douglas on to the field who at the age of 52 is the oldest Portsmouth player to make a 1st XV appearance, Ian said after the match that his opposite number called him Grandad to which Ian replied ‘I may be Grandad but you won’t move me at scrum time’  which proved to be the case!    Portsmouth were still looking for that first score and eventually a good run by the 3’s saw debut centre Myles Whittenham make good ground before passing to winger Tom Hopkins who raced clear to score wide out. A difficult touch line conversion by Gareth Davies took the score to 40  –  7 with about 10 minutes left.  Warlingham had the final say with a try on the stroke of full time giving them a 47  –  7 victory. 

Portsmouth to their credit never stopped trying,  but against a much bigger and well drilled team,  was always going to be hard work. 

Petersfield beat Andover 19  –  41, and remain top,  Alton beat Old Emanual  63  –  19, and next weeks bopponents,  Old Cranleighans beat Old Georgians 46  –  7.

Warlingham remain in 3rd place and Old Cranleighans are in 9th. with Portsmouth in 11th place.

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 by
Tom Radbourne
Daniel Stoneman
Alfie 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 Tommy Hare, as well as adding one penalty which ultimately was the difference. 
2’s play Romsey next week hoping to build on this result. 
Tries: Hart, Weatherhead, HareConversions: Hare (3)Penalties: Hare (1)

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 giving them a 7 – 0 lead after 15 minutes. Portsmouth then had to defend their line and with some good work they worked their way up to the halfway line until a knock on stopped their progress. O.G’s were awarded a penalty but this was reversed by the referee for back chat . From this Portsmouth set up a good attack and the ball went through several hands and it was winger Luke Peters who rounded his winger and scored close to the posts. Solanki was on target again and the score was now 14 – 0 on about 33 minutes. Second row Elliott Worrall made an excellent run from the re-start and only poor finishing prevented a score. He soon made amends however, with his second try after a good run. The try was converted by Solanki as the half time whistle went with Portsmouth leading by a deserved 21 – 0.

Portsmouth got the second half underway and soon scored their 4th. try following a good run by Myles Whittingham making ground before passing to Ravudolo who ran round behind the posts to touch down. Dan Gates then took over the kicking duties and his conversion took the score to 28 – 0. O.G’s soon showed that they hadn’t given up and they eventually scored their first converted try taking the score to 28 – 7. Rather disappointingly the game became a bit disjointed with O.G’s querying almost every decision against them. After some good work by the home side involving their three quarters Luke Peters finished of the move with a try close to the posts. Dan Gates took the kicking duties again but the ball hit the post and bounced back in field,making the final score 33 – 7 as the final whistle went.

This was a good performance by Portsmouth especially after the recent loss of 1st. captain Greg Hoolihan and Club Captain Adam Partks-Dare as a result of serious injuries in consecutive weeks, giving them a much needed second win. With 3 home matches today and the lunch, the Clubhouse was a very happy and vibrant place to be.

Next week sees them home again, this time to Alton who beat Old Cranleighans 33 – 17. Alton are in 8th place on 28 points and Portsmouth will no doubt be looking to build on this victory to move up the league.
Portsmouth stay in eleventh place, but are now on 18 points with Old Cranleighans just 2 points above them.  The surprise result of the week was Old Walcountians victory over Trojans 101 – 3 . Petersfield beat Basingstoke 5 – 68. Petersfield remain on top on 59 points with Weybridge Vandals in second on 58 points, Both are unbeaten.

On a rather lighthearted matter it is worth noting that prop Ian French is 45 years and his replacement Ian Douglas is 53. Frenchie played about 60 minutes and Dorey 20 minutes so a big thankyou to them both. It just shows what you can do if you put your mind to it.

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 all wingers should do in following up the kick and he gathered the kick to touch down wide out. The conversion was successful and the lead was now 17 – 0 with about 11 minutes on the clock. Shortly after the re-start Alton had got into the Portsmouth 22 and a penalty against the home side saw Alton on the score board 17 – 3 on 22 minutes. Portsmouth were unlucky not to have added to their score when they crossed the line only for the Referee to rule against for a double movement. Alton were then penalised back chatting the Referee and from the scrum Beesley drove for the line to score wide out. The kick missed and Portsmouth now led by 22 – 3 and the half time whistle went shortly after.

Shortly after the start of the second half Portsmouth lost second row Elliott Worrall with bruised ribs and his place was taken by Bryn Rainsford. This was followed by Aaron Beesley who had to come of with what looked like a serious knee injury. Portsmouth were then penalised for coming into a maul at the side and from the resultant touch kick 5 metres from the Portsmouth try line they set up a good catch and drive to score their first try. The conversion missed and the score was now 22 – 8 on 48 minutes. With Portsmouth now facing the wind they were forced to be on the defensive for a period of time but managed to repel Alton’s progress. On 60 minutes Portsmouth were reduced to 14 when flanker Matt Hoban was yellow carded for a no arms tackle. During this period Alton were unable to press home their advantage, mainly due to some excellent defence by the home side.
Portsmouth then had a line out 5 metres from the Alton line and from a good catch and drive they drove to the line and Fooks took then ball over for their fourth bonus point try.. The conversion just shaded the post with the score now 27 – 8 on 72 minutes. From a scrum to Alton 5 metres from the Portsmouth line they managed to win good ball to score their second try which was converted giving the final score 27 – 15 as the whistle went to signal the end of the game. This was another good performance from Portsmouth with everyone putting in a good shift.

This win moves them up the table to 9th. on 23 points. Next weeks’ opponents are Trojans who lost to Warlingham 12 – 27. This is the match that was cancelled recently due to Covid problems. Portsmouth have now scored try bonus points in all 4 of their wins this season. Trojans are currently lying in 7th. place on 32 points.

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 on 7 minutes. Trojans began to string some good moves together and a penalty against Portsmouth saw them take a kick at goal from almost in front of the posts but the kick went wide. From the restart Portsmouth were penalised for holding on to the ball after the tackle. Taking play deep into the Portsmouth half Trojans took the lead with an unconverted try following some poor tackling by the visitors. This gave them the lead 8 – 5
Portsmouth then hit back when a good run by No.8 Ollie Simpson which eventually took play into the Trojans 22 and from a resultant maul Fooks crossed for Portsmouth’s second try which was converted making the score 8 – 12. Trojans were soon back on the attack and pressure at scrum time saw them retake the lead with a converted try giving them a 15 – 12 score line. Just before half time they again managed to stretch that lead to 22 – 12 after some poor defensive work by Portsmouth as the half time whistle went.

The second half started badly for Portsmouth as Trojans stretched their lead to 27 – 12 after some defensive lapses by the visitors. Portsmouth then managed to string some good moves together and they set up a driving maul heading for the try line but managed to loose possession in the process. Trojans were then able to relieve the pressure with a good touch kick. Portsmouth were soon back on the attack but again they couldn’t hold on to the ball and Trojans again were able to clear their lines. Portsmouth were able to cross the Trojans line from a good driving maul but the referee deemed the ball held up. Portsmouth were now getting into their stride again and from a successful driving maul Max Clarke was credited with the touch down. A difficult conversion by Dan Gates closed the gap to 27 – 19. With the game flowing from end to end and both sides managing to repell attacks it was Trojans who scored next through a penalty taking the score to 30 – 19. Again Portsmouth set up a series of attacks in an effort to get that 4th. bonus point try but eventually the full time whistle went with the spoils going to Trojans.

This was definitely a game that Portsmouth could have won but it just wasn’t their day. There was a bit to much poor kicking from hand when it might have been better to run with the ball and their usual strong defence wasn’t quite there today with too many missed first up tackles. This result sees Portsmouth slip back to 10th. Next week sees Portsmouth on the road again, this time to Basingstoke who are still bottom of the league,

Portsmouth II 15 – 49 Fareham Heathens

Mike Caspall writes…

Portsmouth Casuals 15 Fareham Heathens 1st XV 49. Portsmouth started brightly and pinned the opposition deep in their own half for the first quarter, unfortunately the penalty count released the pressure and enabled Heathens to control the game, a solid kicking game using the elements should have been more rewarding but we let Heathens escape all too often. On the positive side good decision making kept the scoreboard ticking over in the first half, casuals battled hard with good spirit and won many collisions in mid field, we finished with flare and gusto and champagne rugby had the last word with two delightful passes one out the back door to cut the opposition to shreds and finish 15 to 49. We have an attacking threat and work rate to beat all in the league, improvement to our discipline will turn the screw and bring results, lots of positives to take forward.

East Grinstead Ladies 7 – 27 Valkyries 2nd Xv

Mark Witcher writes…

East Grinsted went 7-0 up and we didn’t look back and against a strong breeze we scored two tries including one from Rebekah Hoffman who collected her own charge-down! The forwards won five scrums against the head causing the opponents to ask for uncontested scrums. In the second half, the backs had the wind behind them and gained confidence to let the ball get to the wings. East Grinstead were unbeaten before today’s match and this result has shown there is becoming a real strength in depth throughout the Valkyries squads.

Basingstoke 31 – 17 Portsmouth

Jim Dixon writes…

On a bitterly cold and windy day  Portsmouth travelled to Basingstoke with yet again a much changed side from recent weeks.

Portsmouth had the wind at their backs in the first half but were soon defending as Basingstoke took the game to them despite playing into the elements.  They were soon on the score board from a good attacking move resulting in a try close to the touch line, although there looked like a knock-on but the Referee let play go on.  The kick missed and the score was 5  –  0 after a few minutes.  From the restart Basingstoke were again on the Portsmouth try line but a penalty against them enabled Portsmouth to clear their line giving Basingstoke a line out on their 22 .  Winning good line out ball they were soon able to set up another attack and crossed out wide.  Again the converson missed and they now led by 12  –  0.after 15 minutes.  From the restart Portsmouth were penalised for being in front of the kicker, a basic mistake. However they soon made up for that error when captain Mark Ovens set up a good move, passing to Jashan Solanki in the centre who sidestepped his way through to score under the posts. The kick missed and the score was now 12  – 5 on 20 minutes.  From the restart Portsmouth kicked deep forcing Basingstoke to kick to touch giving the visitors a line out on the home side’s 22. Winning good ball Solanki kicked ahead towards the try line but they were just beaten to the touch down by a Basingstoke  player.  Following more pressure from Portsmouth they were able add their second try courtesy of Anthony Fooks.  The kick was converted by Tom Hare and the score was 12  –  12 with just a couple of minutes of the half remaining and eventually the whistle went.

The second half started with Portsmouth giving away a rather silly penalty by being in front of the kicker and their kick took play up to the Portsmouth 22.  Good defence by the visitors kept them at bay despite Portsmouth playing into the wind.  Basingstoke were putting huge pressure on Portsmouth but still they managed to hold them out.  Dan Gates managed to rip the ball from his opposite munber and a kick upfield gave Basingstoke a line out but Portsmouth managed to steal the ball but the kick from the scrum half was charged down.  Eventually Basingstoke managed to get into the Portsmouth 22 and they crossed for their 3rd try giving them a 17  –  12 lead.after 58 minutes.  Portsmouth then set up an attack of their own and a good move across the backs looked promising but the final pass couldn’t be held by the winger.  Basingstoke were soon camped back near to the Portsmouth line and the forwards set up a good driving maul to score their 4th.bonus point try. The conversion saw them now lead 24  –  12.  Portsmouth were not put off by this setback and soon set up a driving maul from a good lineout from which  Finn Parry scored their 3rd try. taking the score to 24  –  17.  More defending by Portsmouth saw them keep Basingstoke out but eventually the pressure told and they crossed for their 5th. score which was converted taking their lead to 31  –  17.  From the restart Portsmouth  were then penalised for holding on after the tackle and from the touch kick the final whistle went giving Basingstoke their first win this season.

This was a bitter pill for Portsmouth to swallow but on balance Basingstoke deserved their win.  They were well led in the forwards by Simon Appleby, a former County player who may be getting on in years but has a lot of experience which he was able to put to good use today.   Portsmouth kept battling away but too many basic mistakes certainly didn’t help their cause.  All to often the final pass couldn’t be held or they left the receiving winger with no room to move as they ran across the pitch. Scrum half Harry Drew showed promise but he must quicken his decisions as his kicking out of hand got charged down on a couple of occasions.  Tom Hare at full; back also had a good debut and Ollie Simpson at No.8 made some good runs but needs to get a bit fitter.

Next week sees Portsmouth at home to Old Emanual who beat old 
Georgians 22-16.   Old Emanual are in 8th. place on 33 points. Portsmouth remain in 10th. place.