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.
Portsmouth 31 – 0 Old Emanuel
Jim Dixon writes…
A comprehensive victory of 5 tries to nil saw Portsmouth make amends for last weeks lacklustre display against Basingstoke. On a very wet and windy day with the aftermath of Friday’s storm still being felt, Portsmouth had to change to the Vets pitch as their normal pitch was deemed unplayable. With a few changes to last weeks side it was hoped that they would put in a better performance and they certainly didn’t disappoint despite the weather conditions.
O.E’s kicked off with the wind against them and Portsmouth were soon on the attack. Mark Ovens gathered the ball and put in a good touch kick down field giving O.E’s a lineout near the 10 metre line. Portmouth soon regained possession with Ovens making good ground before passing to full back Tom Hare who took the ball deep in to O.E’s territory before passing back inside but the pass was intercepted enabling them to clear the ball down field. However Portsmouth soon regained the initiative and a good drive by the forwards saw second row Jonny Stoppard crash over for the first try. A good conversion by Hare took Portsmouth to a 7 – 0 lead. From the restart O.E’s took the game deep into the Portsmouth half and from a lineout they attacked the home sides try line. A Portsmouth scrum then saw them penalised for a crooked put in and again O.E’s attacked the line but good defence kept them out. Portsmouth soon moved the ball back upfield with wing forward Matt Hoban crossing the line. The kick missed and the lead was now 12 – 0. From an O.E’s lineout, Stoppard managed to steal the ball and it was soon spun wide to winger Sam Olie who crossed for their 3rd try. Hare was on target with the conversion taking the score to 19 – 0 and the half time whistle went shortly after.
Portsmouth got the second half underway playing into a strong wind as the sun suddenly came out! A knock on by Portsmouth saw O.E’s camp inside the Portsmouth 5 metre line with a series of attacks on the home sides’ try line. Portsmouth defended as though their lives depended on it and for about the next 10 minutes they just tackled to keep their line intact. Every time they got anywhere near the try line the forwards just drove them back. From an O.E’s lineout Stoppard again managed to steal the ball and he made good ground before an excellent tackle stopped him. A kick upfield by O.E’s was gathered by winger Tom Hopkins who ran across the field before straightening up and eventually passing to Olie who sped through to score his second try. A difficult kick just missed and Portsmouth now led by 24 – 0. That was also their 4th. try so they now had a bonus point.
O.E’s made more inroads into the Portsmouth half but again good defensive work saw them kept at bay. After another period of pressure by the visitors, Portmouth managed to break out trhough Stoppard who just kept going despite attempts to stop him. Still making territory Portsmouth kept the movement going and Stoppard was rewarded for his hard work with his second try. Hare was on target with the conversion and the score was now 31 – 0. Shortly after the restart Portsmouth regained possession and a kick to touch saw the referee blow for full time with a resoundiung victory to the home side.
In some ways the second half was better than the first with some fantastic defensive work for quite long periods keeping their line intact. This was a very positive performance by the whole squad who certainly earned their plaudits. After the match and players were back in the Clubhouse O.E’s voted Tom Hare as their Man of the Match. Despite this victory Portsmouth remain in 10th. position on 28 points. Old Emanuel are in 8th.place on 33 points. Alton are in 9th. place on 30 points but with 2 games in hand. Petersfield lost to Warlingham 17 – 19 and Weybridge Vandals now top the league on 73 points with Petersfield 2nd. on 70 points, but they have a game in hand, Basingstoke v Alton was postponed. Next week sees a rest for most of the teams so it will give those Portsmouth players carrying a few knocks a bit of extra time to recover. Their next fixture is away to Old Walcountians who lost 27 – 17 to Old Georgians and are in 5th place on 50 points.
Old Walcountians 24 – 14 Portsmouth
Jim Dixon writes…
This was Portsmouth’s first trip to Banstead and as we walked out to the pitch we were confronted by an amazing view of the City of London’s dramatic skyline set against a rather dark sky as we looked down from our high vantage point. One of their older members remembered coming to Portsmouth, possibly in the 70’s and getting an 89 – 0 drubbing! There was a very strong and bitterly cold cross wind which rather swirled around giving neither side much of an advantage. O.W’s kicked off and Portsmouth gathered and took play up the slope towards the opposition goal line. When they lost the ball O.W’s were able to put the Portsmouth line under pressure but some good defence kept them at bay. A good kick upfield by Tommy Hare saw Portsmouth camped in the opposition half and the game rather swung between the two 22’s for a period. Eventually it was O.W’s who opened the scoring with their winger scoring very close to the touch line. The conversion fell short and they led by 5 – 0 with about 20 minutes gone. Portsmouth thought they had scored when following up a kick ahead which appeared to have been touched down by a Portsmouth player first, the referee deemed that O.W’s had got there first. The first half ended shortly after with the score 5 – 0. Portsmouth started the second half which was made more uncomfortable by cold, driving rain. O.W’s were soon on the attack and a good run by their winger saw him extend their lead to 10 – 0 with an unconverted try although Portsmouth skipper Mark Ovens claimed that he had gone into touch before scoring but the referee wouldn’t listen. 5 minutes later O.W’s were again on the score sheet with a try by their centre who managed to run round and dot down under the posts, the conversion was good and they now led by 17 – 0. Portsmouth were soon on the attack and a very good handling move with some good interpassing saw them take the ball from inside their own half and deep into the opposition’s 22. Bad luck then hit Portsmouth when skipper Mark Ovens had to leave the field with what looked like a bad knee injury. He was replaced at fly-half by Jashan Solanki. Portsmouth then had a chance to open their score with a good driving maul but they lost control of the slippery ball as they neared the try line. Another good move by the visitors came to nothing when they again couldn’t keep hold of the ball and it was O.W’s who scored next with their 4th. bonus point converted try giving them a 24 – 0 lead. This seemed to spur Portsmouth back into life and a good drive for the line saw them cross for a try but the referee deemed that the ball carrier had gone into touch first. Undeterred Portsmouth set up yet another good attack which saw winger Tom Hopkins outstrip the defence to score close to the touch line having gathered his own kick ahead. Tommy Hare was on target with an excellent touch line conversion especially considering the wind. The score was now 24 – 7. Portsmouth were soon back on the attack again, this time through Tommy Hare who kicking ahead, won the race for the bouncing ball and managed a deft little grubber kick and he won the race to touch down, he was also able to convert his own try making the score 24 – 14. Another attack on the opposition try line saw them drive over but they were held up before they could touch down. Eventually the final whistle went with O.W’s putting in a relieving touch kick. Portsmouth deserved more from this game especially after their second half performance. The whole squad put in a good effort although special mention should be made of Harry Drew at scrum half and Tommy Hare at fullback. The forwards also gave a good account of themselves with Finn Parry making good ground with some hard running and Joshan Solanki fitted in well at 10 with some good running and deft passing. All in all a rather disappointing result. This result sees O.W’s stay in 4th.place and Portsmouth stay in 10th. Elsewhere Basingstoke recorded their second win with a 21 – 28 victory away to Old Emanuel. They now have moved off the bottom to be replaced by Old Cranleighans who lost 12 – 38 to Petersfield. Weybridge Vandals are now top with Warlingham, next weeks opposition for Portsmouth, in second place and Petersfield in third. I am due to go into Hospital on 15th.March for a knee replacement so I won’t be around for a while but Nigel Morgan has kindly agreed to continue with the match reports in my absence. Thanks Nigel.
Portsmouth 0 – 31 Warlingham
Simon Newsham writes…
Portsmouth were always going to be in a battle against second placed high flying Warlingham in London 3SW but coach Gareth Richards was dealt a rotten hand in the week building up to the game. Several Injuries and positive COVID cases meant Richards had to call on veterans Ian French and John Nichols into the front row, also into the front row came eighteen year old Exeter University student David Howorth for his first team debut at loosehead prop. Without a recognised scrum-half, winger Sam Olie stepped into the role and didn’t look out of place. Flanker Anthony Fooks had to sit this one out having had stitches to a facial injury at training on Tuesday.
It was apparent from the first scrum that the hosts would struggle in the set piece with just seven minutes played Warlingham were awarded a penalty try when the Pompey scrum folded on their own goal line.
The visitors used the strong wind to their advantage in the first half with big kicks upfield gaining territory, Tommy Hare and Conner Chalton ran the ball back at them with every opportunity.
Portsmouth looked confident in open play but the Warlingham pack were big and well drilled in the scrum and their second try on twenty minutes came from a pick and go from the base of the scrum.
Portsmouth had a good spell of possession and continued to run the ball when they had it, some excellent carries from No8 Eliot Worrall centre Dan Gates got the hosts into some good attacking positions but each attempt seemed to end in a knock on and a scrum which Portsmouth had no answer to.
A further score five minutes before the break came from quick ball out of a scrum which made it 19-0 to the visitors. Portsmouth almost got on the board with half time approaching but were adjudged to be held up after getting over the Warlingham line. Half Time Portsmouth 0 Warlingham 19.
The second half began with good Pompey pressure and equally good defending when they had to, Howorth was outstanding in the pack, making tackle after tackle stopping the powerful forwards in their tracks. Portsmouth used the wind well, fly-half Jaz Solanki and full-back Tommy Hare’s touch kicks making good ground. Portsmouth were enjoying themselves despite the scoreline, veteran hooker Jon Nichols hit his target every time in the line outs and Sam Olie distributed the ball nicely out to the backs.
The hosts bright start to the second half was abruptly ended when another penalty try was awarded to Warlingham, Olie was shown the yellow card for repeated offside, the visitors opted for the scrum and the referee gave them the seven pointer.
Even though a man down Portsmouth battled on but a further unconverted try to the visitors was the final act in what was a very good performance by a team stricken with injuries and illness.
Coach Gareth Richards was philosophical about the defeat but considering they were down to the bare bones he said “I thought we deserved more from the game, we were unfortunate not to get on the scoreboard having played so well with a scratch team”.
Locksheath Pumas 2nd XV 19 – 19 Portsmouth Veterans
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!
Petersfield 26 – 0 Portsmouth
Portsmouth travelled the short distance to Petersfield on a grey Saturday afternoon but at least it wasn’t raining and blowing a gale. Portsmouth were still coming to terms with the fact that their talismatic skipper and hooker, Greg Hoolohan, would take no further part in this seasons campaign owing to a serious arm injury sustained in last weeks game against Weybridge Vandals. His place was taken by Bradley Atkins who has been in the squad for some time.
Portsmouth got proceedings underway and Petersfield collected and set up an attack which was eventually stopped but not before they had made ground into the Portsmouth 22.
After about 4 minutes they scored wide out following a good crosskick which was caught by their winger who scored out wide. The conversion was successful and the score was 7 – 0. Petersfield were soon on the attack again and from a scrum on the Portsmouth 22 their No.7 took the ball and touched down close to the posts. The conversion was secured and they now led by 14 – 0 on 10 minutes. From the re-start Petersfield ran back their 3rd try taking the score to 19 – 0. Their 4th try came shortly after with the conversion going over off the crossbar taking the score to 26 – 0 on 20 minutes. Portsmouth were having problems getting into the rhythym of the game and had played in their half for most of the time, Another Petersfield attack lead to a scrum about 5 metres from the visitors try line and as Petersfield drove for the line the scrum collapsed with a very anguished cry coming from the Portsmouth pack. The scrum broke up and as players got to their feet it was apparent that, Club-Captain, Adam Parks-Dare was the player in trouble. It transpired that he had sustained a serious leg injury that would need hospital treatment as an ambulance had been called. He was covered in coats and a thermal blanket whilst waiting for the ambulance to arrive. The game was then in the process of being moved to the adjoining pitch as both sets of players had retired to the changing rooms. However so serious was the injury that both sets of forwards felt they had no real incentive to continue and the game was officially abandonded, to be played at a later date. Shortly after this it was announced that the League Officials had declared that the result should stand as Petersfield has got thier 5 points. By now Adam was in the ambulance and still being treated before going to hospital, Portmouth must feel that luck has deserted them this season what with the loss last week of Greg Hoolihan now followed by prop Adam Parks-Dare. who has played an important part in this season’s campaign.
Portsmouth will have to regroup for next week’s home fixture against Old Georgians which is being preceeded by a Memorial Lunch in honour of former 1st.XV captain Steve Todd who sadly passed away last year.
On a brighter note it was great to see Portsmouth President Peter Golding, make a very welcome appearance at the match following a long absence from the touchline due to a lengthy illness. Let’s hope that we will see him much more frequently at our matches.
Portsmouth 14 – 24 Weybidge Vandals
Match Report by Jim Dixon
This was a game between 2nd from top and 2nd from bottom and what a game it was despite the attrocious conditions. The Referee decided that the 1’s pitch was unplayable so we moved to the Vets pitch which was marginally better. Although it was windy at least the rain, for the most part, stayed away until the final few minutes. This was Portsmouth’s first game sine the victory over Old Cranleighans on 11th.November as the following weeks game v Trojans was postponed due to Covid which was a great pity as they were looking forward to that match to keep the momentum going.
Portsmouth played into a cross wind and were soon on the attack, keeping Weybridge deep in their half. Following a good touch kick from Gareth Davies and a hard run from No.8 Aaron Beesley Portsmouth crossed for what they thought was their first try but the Ref deemed the ball held up. With the majority of the game played in the Weybridge half, Portsmouth kept the pressure on and soon crossed again only for the Ref to again deny them a score. Rather against the run of play Weybridge then managed to string a good attack together and their open side broke through to score wide out. The conversion missed but they now led 0 – 5. with about 30 minutes played and that was how the first half ended with both sided throwing the ball around despite the conditions.
The second half started with Weybridge upping the tempo a bit but good defence by the home side kept them at bay. By now the ball was like a cake of soap and the pitch was also cutting up so both teams were having difficulty in holding onto the ball and keeping on their feet. Portsmouth were soon back on the attack and a good move involving the backs saw centre Ravudolo make his way through the defence to score midway out. Gareth Davies was on target with the conversion and Portsmouth were now in the lead 7 – 5 with about 7 minutes of the re-start. Both sided were still moving the ball around but the Weybridge pack were proving a bit of a handful. Despite this, Portsmouth were able to take the ball from the base of the scrum whilst being driuven back, thanks mainly to the efforts of No.8 Beesley. However it was Weybridge who scored next with an unconverted try giving them the lead 7 – 10 with nearly 66 minutes played. 6 minutes later they were again on the scoreboard with a converted try thus extending their lead to 7 – 17. Portsmouth were still in the hunt and some good runs saw them take play into the opposition half but just unable to complete the move. With about 5 minutes of the match remaining Portsmouth fell further behind when Weybridge scored their 4th. bonus point try. Portsmouth were still not giving up and a good attack saw them drive deep into Weybridge territory and eventually their efforts were rewarded when Evan Watts crossed for a well taken try converted by Davies as a drop goal to try and get the match re-started quickly as time was now against them. The score was now 14 – 24 and the pressure was on to get one more score to at leastgain a losing bonus point. but the Ref’s whistle beat them to it and the final score was 14 – 24.
This was an exciting game played in atrocious conditions and credit must go to both teams for the way they played the game. Although both teams had problems holding on to the ball in the tackle they never stopped trying to play open rugby. By the time of the final whistle it was quite difficult to distinguish the two packs as their shirts were covered with mud.
Next week sees Portsmouth travel to Petersfield for their return fixture. This will again be a 2.00 p.m kick off.