Portsmouth v New Milton, Saturday 15th February 2025, Counties 1 Hampshire League

This was Portsmouth’s first game since 18th January given that we should have played Guernsey on 1st February but they had ‘problems with their pitch’ so the game is being re-arranged.

Portsmouth were more than eager to get the game underway and were soon on the score sheet with Bryn Rainford crossing for the first try on 4 minutes. The conversion missed with the lead 5-0. This seemed to open the floodgates and before we knew it Aaron Beesley, Sam Foster and Connor Charlton had all added tries to give us a bonus point on 18 minutes. None of the tries where converted giving us a 20-0 lead.

10 minutes later Liam Avis scored followed by his brother Oli. There was 1 conversion by Matt Higgins taking the lead to 32-0. 7 minutes later Oli Avis scored his second taking the score to 37-0. In the closing stages of the first half Brad Jewer showed a good turn of speed as he crossed for a try converted by Matt Higgins taking the score to 44-0 followed by Jas Solanki scoring an unconverted try taking the half time score to 49-0.

The second half got underway with an even quicker start than the first half with probably the try of the match. From the kick off by New Milton he caught the ball in his half and set off on an amazing run, side stepping opponents to run straight through the opposition to score out wide with barely a minute on the clock. This put the score at 54 – 0 and 5 minutes later Connor Charlton scored his second try taking the score to 59-0. Not to be outdone Sam Floyd was again on the score sheet with 46 minutes on the clock, Gareth Davies had taken over the kicking duties and he duly obliged with the conversion taking the score to 66-0.

Connor Charlton was again on the score sheet with his third of the afternoon. Gareth Davies obliged with the conversion taking the score to 73-0. Matt Higgins was next on the score sheet taking the score to 80-0 with the conversion. Olie Avis then scored his second try which was converted by Gareth Davies taking the score to 87-0. Connor Charlton then scored his 4th try which Gareth Davies again converted, taking to score to 94-0 with about 10 minutes of the match remaining. Jas Solanki added the final score with his second try, also converted by Gareth Davies, giving Portsmouth a comprehensive win of 101-0.

To the best of my knowledge this is only the second time Portsmouth have scored such a score, the first being many, many years ago when the then scoreboard had 2 hooks for the numbers and I had to hold required number on the board.

Credit must also be given to New Milton for not giving up for the entire 80 minutes and they even thanked the referee for not giving them any help with his decisions by favouring them in any way. He was, they said, the best ref they had had all season.
Would you believe it but next week is also a rest week! We seem to be having more rest weeks than playing weeks this year. Our next match will be against Bournemouth 2’s who lost 45-21 to Ellingham & Ringwood. Bournemouth are currently in 9th place on 38 points and Portsmouth are in 6th on 40 points. The mid table teams are all very close so there is everything to play for. Also a reminder that kickoff is now 2.30pm.

TEAM
PHILL GILLILAND, JOHN PEARSON, LIAM AVIS
SAM FOSTER, BRYN RAINFORD
ANT. FOOKS. SAM FLOYD, AARON BEESLEY(C)
GEORGE WRIGHT, MATT HIGGINS
CONNOR CHARLTON, OLI AVIS, SAM OLIE, BRAD JEWER
JAS SOLANKI

BENCH
ALESX BUCK, LEE CHANDLER, GARETH DAVIES

Portsmouth v Havant II, Saturday 18th January 2025, Counties 1 Hampshire League

On a bitterly cold day at Rugby Camp, Havant kicked off and took the game straight back to Havant. Eventually a penalty against Havant gave Portsmouth the first scrum of the afternoon. and a kick upfield gave Havant the first line out. From that lineout they set up a good move and their winger scored in the corner with about 7 minutes gone. The conversion missed and they led 0-5. Following the restart Portsmouth stole a Havant lineout which resulted in a penalty to Portsmouth but Matt Pilbeam’s kick went wide.

Portsmouth were putting pressure on Havant and as they tried to move the ball upfield a wayward pass by Havant went straight into touch giving Portsmouth a lineout about 6 or 7 metres from the try line, A good catch and drive saw Portsmouth drive for the line and Liam Glazebrook broke off to score. Pilbeam’s kick was on target and the score was now 7-5 with about 12 minutes gone. A penalty against Portsmouth saw Havant kicking to touch but the kick was sliced and the ball went over the dead ball line.

Another penalty against Havant gave Portsmouth a chance to extend their lead and Matt Pilbeam duly obliged taking the score to 10-5 with about 20 minutes gone. A bad mistake from Portsmouth which saw a pass thrown to no-one which was kicked towards the try line by Havant and it was quick reaction from Pilbeam that saved the day although his kick to touch was badly sliced giving Havant a 5 metre lineout.

Good defence from Portsmouth saw them kick the ball upfield, giving Havant a lineout just inside the Portsmouth 22. A good run by prop Liam Glazebrook saw him take play into the Havant 22 before he was pushed into touch. From another Portsmouth scrum Will Dalziel made good ground before he was stopped just short of the try line. Another Portsmouth scrum saw them drive for the line and as they crossed the line the referee awarded the home side a penalty try for the deliberate collapse of the scrum. This took the score to 17-5 with about 30 minutes gone. Havant also had one of their props yellow carded.

Another Portsmouth attack came to nothing when the final pass was adjudged forward. As the first half drew to a close Havant set up an attack and they scored out wide making the score 17-10. Portsmouth were soon back on the attack and an excellent scrum from Portsmouth drove the Havant pack back about 7-10 metres. Portsmouth ended the first half in a very dominant mood with a very hard tackle by Sam Olie that saw the Havant centre knock the ball forward. The half time whistle went shortly after.

The second half started with Portsmouth making 3 changes. Gareth Davies came on at 10 with Matt Higgins coming of. Liam Avis came of for Phill Gilliland, making his first appearance this season, and Lee Chandler came on for Sam Floyd. Portsmouth were able to increase their lead by a further 3 points from a penalty by Gareth Davies, taking the score to 20-10 after about 47 minutes. Havant were soon on the attack and from a kick ahead by them the ball seemed covered by 2 Portsmouth players but and unkind bounce put it into the path of an upcoming Havant winger and he collected a fortuitous bounce which saw him touch down in the corner taking the score to 20-15. Alex Randall then had to come off so Matt Pilbeam went back on. Another Havant score saw the scores level at 20 apiece on 55 minutes. Beesley then had to come off so Liam Avis went back on and Fooks moved from hooker to No.8.

Following a scrum 5 metres from the Havant try line Portsmouth set up a good drive which saw Fooks dive over for a try. The conversion missed and they were back in the lead 25-20 on 65 minutes. This didn’t stay for long as Havant scored another converted try taking the score to 25-27. Portsmouth were still giving Havant a hard time in the set piece, driving them off their ball and seeing it come out at the feet of the Portsmouth No.8. A penalty against Havant saw Gareth Davies take a kick at goal and the ball went straight through the uprights giving the lead back to Portsmouth 28-27.

Portsmouth were then awarded a penalty in the dying minutes. The ball went wide and Havant broke out of their goal line and their winger raced through to score under the posts taking the final score to 28-34. Portsmouth were soon back on the attack but time was against them and eventually the final whistle went with a victory to the visitors. We did at least get a losing bonus point. Havant remain undefeated this season and you can see why, they never give up but then neither did this Portsmouth team who have probably just played their best game for a long, long time. This was especially pleasing as a few players were not available today as they were off skiing tomorrow, but it had has to be said they weren’t really missed.

It seems unfair to single out individuals in a game like this but second row debut maker Toby Wilson had an outstanding game, Fooks was everywhere and never stopped, Matt Pilbeam played well at full back apart from one badly sliced kick! Liam Avis was made MoM by the coaches. The pack as a whole gave Havant a very hard afternoon and the backs looked slick.
Scrum half George Wright got the ball away smartly throughout the game.

It also has to be said that this is Havant’s tightest victory so far this season. The hard fact to swallow is that this result sees Portsmouth slip down 1 place to 8th.in the League but that is sport for you. In the Club house after the game Havant named Fooks as their MoM. Portsmouth are now on 35 points with Sandown & Shanklin in 7th. on 37 points.

Next week there is no game for the 1st XV so they can rest their sore bodies after that Havant game in which Portsmouth for the most part were the better team.

TEAM
ANT FOOKS, BRAD ATKINS, LIAM AVIS
TOBY WILSON, BRYN RAINFORD
LIAM GLAZEBROOK, SAM FLOYD, AARON BEESLEY(C)
GEORGE WRIGHT, MATT HIGGINS
CONNOR CHARLTON, SAM OLIE, WILL DALZIEL, MATT PILBEAM
ALEX RANDALL

BENCH
PHILL GALLILAND, LEE CHANDLER, GARETH DAVIES

Portsmouth v Trojans, Saturday 11th January 2025, Counties 1 Hampshire League

Portsmouth travelled the fairly short distance to Trojans for the return fixture. The weather was sunny with very little wind, a contrast to recent weeks.
The pitch was very slippery on the top surface but was better a bit deeper down.

Matt Higgins, playing 10 today, got the match underway and Portsmouth responded well. They pressed the Trojans line but could not quite get across the line. Trojans were under pressure which forced a number of penalties and Portsmouth took advantage to get on the score board after about 15 minutes giving them a 0-3 lead. Shortly after the restart skipper Aaron Beesley made a good break and passed to ball to a supporting back. Then threes really came to life with a very good handling move which went deep into the Trojans 22. Eventually Matt Higgins took the final pass and ran through to score close to the posts. He converted his own try and they now led 0-10 with about 18 minutes on the clock. More Portsmouth pressure gave Portsmouth another penalty converted by Higgins to extend their lead to 0-13. This lead was increased further when Trojans were penalised yet again and with Higgins again on target they extended their lead to 0-16. Portsmouth were also having success in stealing some of Trojans’ lineout ball, mainly through Sam Foster and Bryn Rainford, On one such occasion Rainford managed to intercept the throw and kicked up field. The ball was collected by Sam Olie who had raced through and he touched down wide out. Higgins was unable to convert so the score was now 0-21. and the half time whistle went shortly after.

Portsmouth were now playing with the sun behind them which with the sun getting lower should make life a bit easier. Unfortunately this was not the case. The game became rather disjointed and scrappy in contrast to the first half. They were still being pretty dominant but seemed unable to take real advantage of the situation. They came close to scoring on a few occasions but that 3rd try was proving rather difficult. Eventually their pressure told and from a good catch and drive from about 7 metres out Brad Atkins broke from the back of the maul and crossed for their 3rd try. The conversion missed and the score was now 0-26 on 50 minutes. They were now trying to get that important 4th try but it just wouldn’t come. Trojans were now becoming more adventurous in their play and set up some good moves through their backs which were causing Portsmouth a few problems. On one such occasion Trojans managed to break the deadlock and scored their first try of the match wide out. The conversion missed and the score was now 5-26. Portsmouth tried to get that 4th bonus point try but to no avail. Portsmouth were still pressing but eventually time ran out with the final whistle going signalling the end of the game.

This was the classic game of two halves. Portsmouth won the first half 0-1 but the second half finished with a 5 all draw. Throughout the game there were some good hard tackles from Portsmouth, especially from Adam Parks-Dare and Sam Foster on the forwards, Liam Glazebrook put in another good performance as did the two new lads Sam Floyd and Alex Buck. It was also good to see Gareth Davies back after his stint working in the USA. The backs also showed what they can do with some good moves.

This result sees us remain in 7th place on 34 points but had we scored a bonus point try that would have pushed us back to 6th. Still a win is a win so lets enjoy that.

Next week sees Portsmouth at home to Havant 2’s who are still top of the league. Recent games against Havant have always been hard fought matches and next weeks encounter will no doubt not be any different. The day is started with an U15’s match K.O. 11.30 a.m. followed by the 1’s and 2’s who K.O at 2.00p.m.

TEAM
ADAM PARKS-DARE, BRAD ATKINS, ANT FOOKS
SAM FOSTER, BRYN RAINFORD
LIAM GLAZEBROOK, SAM FLOYD, AARON BEESLEY(C)
GEORGE WRIGHT, MATT HIGGINS
WILL DALZIEL, SAM OLIE, BRAD JEWER, CONNOR CHARLTON
JAS SOLANKI

BENCH
ALEX BUCK, LEE CHANDLER, GARETH DAVIES

Portsmouth v Basingstoke, Saturday 4th January 2025, Counties 1 Hampshire League

It was a bitterly cold windy day, the only good thing about it was the rain held off for the duration of the match.

Basingstoke got the game underway and Portsmouth set up a number of forward drives but a knock on gave ‘Stoke a scrum. they set up a good attack and a well judged kick across field found their winger who crossed out wide. The conversion missed and they took a 0-5 lead with about a couple of minutes gone.

A good attacking move came to nothing when a Portsmouth player who got tap tacked then got penalised for crawling with the ball in hand. Portsmouth then set up a series of drives through the forwards which eventually resulted in their first try by Ant Fooks. The conversion missed and the scores were now level at 5 a’piece after 15 minutes. Portsmouth pressed hard but just couldn’t get through the defence. Brad Atkins then had to leave the field with knee injury and his place was taken by Alex Buck on his Club debut. He went to prop and Fooks went to hooker. A good kick up field by Portsmouth came to nought when the ball crossed the dead ball line before a chasing Portsmouth player could get to it. The half time whistle went shortly after with the score still 5-5.

The second half started with Matt Higgins taking the place of Brad Jewer on the wing. Debut maker Sam Floyd then came off to be replaced by Lee Chandler on the flank. Basingstoke were beginning to cause problems for Portsmouth when they twice managed to break through a gap in the backs but fortunately some good tackling prevented a score. Once again that gap was found by Stoke and this time they scored close to the posts. The conversion was good and the score was now 5-12 with 50 minutes gone.

A penalty awarded to ‘Stoke was on target and their lead was now 5-15. on about 65 minutes. This seemed to stir Portsmouth into a bit of action and from deep in their own 22 they worked the ball upfield with forwards and backs combining well and suddenly they were in the ‘Stoke 22. The supporting Adam Parks-Dare came quickly through to take the final pass and a good run to the try line saw him score under the posts. Matt Higgins was on target with the conversion and the score was now 12-15 with 75 minutes on the clock.

A penalty against the home side saw them kick to touch with a lineout on the 10 metre line. A successful drive saw them cross for a try which was converted giving them a 12-22 victory. Portsmouth’s Man of the Match was awarded to centre Oli Avis who caused problems for the visitors on several occasions.

This was a very disappointing performance by Portsmouth who were not at their best. Perhaps too much Christmas Turkey! This loss sees Portsmouth slip to 7th in the League still on 30 points. Next week Portsmouth travel to Trojans who are a couple of places below them and on 24 points.

TEAM
ADAM PARKS-DARE, BRAD ATKINS, ANT FOOKS
SIMON PINHORN, SAM FOSTER
LIAM GLAZEBROOK, SAM FLOYD, AARON BEESLEY(C)
GEORGE WRIGHT, JAS SOLANKI
BRAD JEWER, OLI AVIS, SAM OLIE, LUKE SIMMONS
ALEX RANDALL

BENCH
ALEX BUCK, LEE CHANDLER, MATT HIGGINS,

Portsmouth v Sandown & Shanklin, Saturday 21st December 2024, Counties 1 Hampshire League

The day was started with an impressive Christmas lunch, provided as usual by Club Chef Jimmy Martin. This was also the last game before the Christmas break when we return on Saturday 4th January when the 1’s are away to Basingstoke. It was a very windy day with the wind going from West to East, although it was cold at least the rain held off.

Portsmouth won the toss and elected to play with the wind in the hope that by the second half it had been forecast to decrease in strength.
From the start Portsmouth pressed the Sandown try line, keeping play in their half. Penalties against Portsmouth saw Sandown kicking to touch but into the wind they were unable to make much headway. A penalty against Sandown saw Jas Solanki taking a kick at goal from wide out and the kick went in off the post giving Portsmouth a 3-0 lead on about 4 minutes.

There followed a period of play between to two 22’s with both sides experiencing handling problems caused by the strength of the wind. Even kicking was not straight forward as with the wind kicks had to be not too hard and against the wind they had to be kept low and fairly short in distance. Eventually the stalemate was broken when Portsmouth set up an attacking move that saw Luke Simmons, playing in the centre, make a good break and going through a couple of tackles he crashed over for the first try of the match close to the touch line. The conversion failed and the lead was now 8-0, on about 15 minutes.

The Portsmouth forwards were now beginning to control the scrums, often pushing Sandown off their ball or disrupting their delivery. Portsmouth were on the score board again when another good break saw No. 6 Chandler cross for their second try. This time Solanki was on target with a difficult kick and they now led 15-0 with about 10 minutes of the half remaining. The score board wasn’t troubled again as the first half ended shortly after.

The second half got underway with the wind still blustery. 44 minutes into the second half Portsmouth set up a good attack through their 3’s with some slick handling which saw the ball end up with fullback Alex Randall taking it at speed to crash over in the corner. The conversion missed and the score was now 20-0. Nearly 10 minutes later and a loose ball was kicked downfield by Sandown and in the confusion they won the race to touch down. The conversion was good and the score was now 20-7.

For a period Portsmouth looked as though they were going to be in a bit of a fight as mistakes began to let them down. Portsmouth were then reduced to 14 with a yellow card to Lee Chandler. Shortly after this there was a moment of magic when following up a kick upfield Matt Higgins out jumped the opposition to snatch ball from his grasp and then race away to dot down under the posts. Solanki made sure of the conversion and the score was now 27-7 with about 10 minutes remaining. This was their 4th try, giving them a much need bonus point. As the game drew to its conclusion there was another rather strange moment when Portsmouth kicked up field and two players followed up, as the ball went into the in goal area it looked as though it was going dead and everyone, including the lone opposition player, slowed down. Then suddenly Solanki saw that the ball had almost stopped short of the dead ball line and he raced through to score the final try of the game. He was unable to convert his try and the score was now 32-7 with the final whistle going shortly after. A great way to start the Christmas break with no games until 4th January 2025.

This was also a great way to reward two players in todays game, Aaron Beesley, 1st XV Capt. as he played his 50th league and cup game and the ever present Anthony Fooks who reached an incredible 200th appearance today in league and cup matches. There was a presentation in the Clubhouse after for the two players which was made by Club President Nigel Morgan.
The forwards were pretty dominant throughout the match and the backs looked good both in attack and defence. This win sees Portsmouth move up 1 place to 6th. on 30 points, Sandown & Shanklin are still in 5th on 35 points. Our next opponents, Basingstoke, are in 4th place on 39 points after losing to Ellingham & Ringwood 10-20.

TEAM
LIAM AVIS, BRAD ATKINS, ADAM PARKS-DARE
ALEX HIGSON, VINNIE JEFFERIES
ANT.FOOKS, LIAM GLAZEBROOK, AARON BEESLEY(C)
GEORGE WRIGHT, JAS SOLANKI
HARVEY FIELD, SAM OLIE, LUKE SIMMONS, BRAD JEWER
ALEX RANDALL

BENCH
LEE CHANDLER, WILL DALZIEL, MATT HIGGINS

Portsmouth v Ellingham & Ringwood, Saturday 14th December 2024, Counties 1 Hampshire League

A changed side from last week travelled to Ellingham & Ringwood on a sunny day.  What a change from last week’s weather!

Portsmouth got the game underway and were soon under pressure but some good defensive work kept E/R at bay. Although Portsmouth managed to get into the Ellingham half they soon found themselves defending their line again. A 5 metre lineout saw Ellingham set up a good catch and drive and although they crossed the line somehow Portsmouth managed to get under the ball carrier thus denying them a score.  A penalty against Portsmouth for not releasing after a tackle gave Ellingham a kick at goal from almost in front of the posts. The kick was successful and they took a 3-0  lead on 14 minutes. 

More good defensive work by Portsmouth kept Ellingham at bay but another penalty for going over the top gave Ellingham a chance to increase their lead which they duly did,  to 6-0 on 18 minutes.  Although Portsmouth were holding their own at scrum time pretty well it was a different matter when the home side set up driving mauls with Portsmouth finding it difficult to hold the bigger and stronger pack.  Having  said that Portsmouth did on occassions manage to turn the tables on their opponents but couldn’t turn it to their advantage to get the  back line threatening the Ellingham line.  There was no further score in the first half as the half time whistle went.

The second half saw Portsmouth playing with a slight advantage of the wind blowing across the pitch.  Portsmouth were getting a bit more into the game and an excellent break from Ant Fooks saw him make good ground into the opposition 22 before he was stopped.  Another drive for the line by Ellingham was thwarted by excellent defensive work with a Portsmouth player managing to get under the ball carrier thus preventing a try.

Prop Liam Avis came off to be replaced by Louis Bristow.  Harvey Field also made way for Connor Charlton on the wing and Matt Hoban came off to be replaced by Vinnie Jefferies.  Ellingham had a chance to increase their lead but a penalty in front of the posts went wide. Fooks caught the ball and broke upfield, the ball eventually finding its way to Solanki who put in a good clearance up to the 10 metre line. A fantastic steal by No.7 Liam Glazebrook saw him race away and a good kick ahead took the ball into the opposition 22 where they managed to knock on giving Portsmouth a scrum. about 7 or 8 metres from the try line. Scrum half Wright got the ball away and Will Dalziel put in a lovely cross kick that was caught by the speeding Alex Randell coming in from fullback and he put in a great dive into the lefthand corner to score the first try of the match. The  conversion missed and the score was now 6-5 on 53 minutes. 

Adam Parks-Dare then came off to be replaced by Liam Avis.  From the restart Portsmouth knocked on giving Ellingham a scrum just outside the 5 metre line. They won the ball and their winger crossed for a try taking the score to 11-5 on 57 minutes.  Portsmouth then lost Aaron Beesley to a yellow card for handling in the ruck. This follows a yellow card for Solanki issued earlier.  Portsmouth had been giving penalties away and it was felt had rather lost the referee due mainly to the number of penalties the were being pinged for.

More pressure from Ellingham saw them extend their lead with a converted try taking the score to 18-5 on 64 minutes.  Portsmouth were trying to work their way back into the game to at least get a losing bonus point but could not make that final breakthrough and eventually the final whistle went with a victory to Ellingham & Ringwood.

This was a rather disappointing result for Portsmouth and brought their winning streak to an end.  As we know from our first encounter this season Ellingham have been strengthened  by 3 or 4 signings from Bournemouth.  Certainly their No.10 played an influential part in todays game as did their wingers.  Portsmouth had their moments but could not keep pressure on for long enough to cause problems we know they can manage. Alex Randell had a good game at fullback and Liam Glazebrook put in another good performance at No.7.  The pack held their own in the tight but possible missed Sam Foster in the second row.

This result sees Portsmouth remain in 7th.place on 25 points.  Ellingham & Ringwood are 3rd, on 43 points. Bournemouth 2nds are in 8th place also on 25 points but with a worse points difference, -137, to our -28.  Next weeks opponents are Sandown & Shanklin who didn’t play on Saturday due to a HWO against New Milton.  They are in 5th place on 35 points. Next week Portsmouth will be having their Christmas Dinner prior to the match which starts at 2.00pm.

TEAM
LIAM AVIS, BRAD ATKINS, ADAM PARKS-DARE
ALEX HIGSON, MATT HOBAN
ANT FOOKS, LIAM GLAZEBROOK, AARON BEESLEY(C)
GEORGE WRIGHT, JAS SOLANKI
BRAD JEWER, MATT HUGHES, WILL DALZIEL, HARVEY FIELD
ALEX RANDELL

BENCH
LOUIS BRISTOW, VINNIE JEFFERIES, CONNOR CHARLTON

Portsmouth 15 Bognor 8

7 December 2024 by Simon Newsham

A cold and very windy afternoon drew the smallest Rugby Camp crowd of the season so far, those who did brave the conditions were treated to a Pompey win but it definitely wasn’t a great game.

The hosts were quickly out of the blocks on two minutes with the best play of the match. Following a scrum on the left fifteen metres inside the Bognor half, George Wright fed fly-half Jas Solanki whose pass missed out centre Dalziel and found full-back Stewart Davies at speed, his pass to right wing Brad Jewer created the overlap for Jewer to run in and score in the right hand corner. Portsmouth had a good spell of possession in the first ten minutes but were unable to add to their early score. Anthony Fooks was having a busy day due to players going off for injuries he had to fill in at front row, second row, flank, No8 and did a superb job wherever he was sent.

The visitors grew into the game and after a spell of desperate defending against the wind by Portsmouth and repeated penalties for offside Bognor got their try on 24 minutes, as with the hosts they were unable to convert in the blustery conditions. The visitors finished the half strongly and Portsmouth conceded yet another penalty for offside in front of the posts on the twenty-two, the Bognor fly-half calmly slotted the three points to go in with a three point lead at half time Portsmouth 5 Bognor 8.

The second half began with both sides having a go but running into big tackles, the hosts No8 Aaron Beesley had plenty of carries but the Bognor defenders weren’t letting him make the ground we have come to expect from him. On 52 minutes Portsmouth were awarded a penalty for a rare Bognor offside on twenty-two meters, Stewart Davies struck it beautifully through the uprights to level things at 8-8.

Ten minutes later after some attritional rugby where nothing much happened in the middle of the pitch, the hosts broke forward from a Solanki kick ahead, chased down by replacement Luke Simmons bought some territory and a spell of pressure in the Bognor twenty-two. The visitors were under extreme pressure when Solanki burst away down the right wing only to be tackled high when it looked like he would score. A further penalty saw a Bognor player go to the bin when the hosts set themselves up for a tap and go penalty five meters out wide on the right. This time they chose the scrum option, the pack piled forward driving the visitors over their own line and Anthony Fooks dropped over for a crucial try. Superbly converted by Stewart Davies putting Pompey into a 15-8 lead with around eighteen minutes to go.

Portsmouth saw the game out with more tenacious tackling from Adam Parks-Dare, Henri Davies and Sam Foster to name a few. Bognor had a late flurry of possession but couldn’t break through the Pompey defence. This was Portsmouth’s fourth win on the bounce, it certainly wasn’t pretty but when you need the points to stay up, winning is all that counts especially when key players are missing.

Portsmouth Line Up 1 Liam Avis, 2 Brad Atkins, 3 Adam Parks-Dare, 4 James Hebbard, 5 Sam Foster, 6 Anthony Fooks, 7 Henri Davies, 8 Aaron Beesley, 9 George Wright, 10 Jas Solanki, 11 Harvey Field, 12 Sam Olie, 13 Will Dalziel, 14 Brad Jewer, 15 Stewart Davies, Reps Vinnie Jefferies, Lee Chandler, Luke Simmons.

Portsmouth v Eastleigh, Saturday 23rd November 2024, Counties 1 Hampshire League

Portsmouth travelled a shortish distance along the M27 to Eastleigh wondering a bit what the weather was going to do. With the threat of Storm Bert coming in together with gale force winds and heavy rain it was all a bit daunting. As it turned out it was a much quieter spell that greeted them on the pitch. The wind had dropped and the rain had virtually stopped and at least it was rather mild for a change.

Portsmouth got the game underway playing with the wind slightly behind them. They soon had Eastleigh defending their line as the visitors closed in on the try line. With the pitch already wet and muddy, handling was a bit tricky and the first scoring chance went begging when the ball went loose. Eastleigh then set up their first real attack but the backs were pinged for crossing, giving Portsmouth a chance to clear the ball up field. Understandably there was a lot of kicking with the ground being so wet making the ball rather slippery. A game for the purists this was not going to be!. Another scoring chance went begging when a good run from Solanki saw him make inroads into the Eastleigh 22 before passing to the supporting Stewart Davies. He got tackled and the ball went loose. Eastleigh cleared the ball giving Portsmouth a lineout on the 22. A penalty against Portsmouth gave Eastleigh a chance to break the stalemate from a kick in front of the posts on the 22. The kick was good and they led 3-0 with about 15 minutes gone.

Portsmouth then lost Bryn Rainford with a damaged shoulder after a heavy tackle by him, Vinnie Jefferies went on. Shortly after this Portsmouth were penalised again for offside from a similar position to the previous one. Eastleigh duly converted giving them a 6-0 lead after 23 minutes. Portsmouth kicked upfield and chased the kick to put the opposition under pressure. Eventually the ball went into touch giving Portsmouth a 5m lineout. Another penalty against Eastleigh saw Portsmouth gain a 5m scrum. A good strike by Portsmouth saw them win good ball with No. 8 Fooks breaking open and heading for the line, he then passed to the supporting Avis who crashed over for the first try of the match. The conversion missed and the score was now 6-5 as the half time whistle went shortly after.

Matt Pilbeam then came on to replace Harvey Field on the wing as the second half got underway. Leo Wall then had to come off with an injury so Harvey Field went back on. With the weather now beginning to worsen Portsmouth began to show some adventure and were putting good moves together in the backs despite the slippery ball. Portsmouth then were reduced to 14 when Vinnie Jefferson was yellow carded. Tom Milham then came on to prop taking the place of Liam Avis who went into the second row with foster going to the back row. Another penalty against Portsmouth gave Eastleigh the chance to increase their lead which the duly did to make it 9-5 on 68 minutes.

Pressure from Portsmouth saw Eastleigh give away a penalty and from the resultant scrum Portsmouth took the ball and with Fooks again breaking from the base he made grounds before passing to the supporting Stewart Davies, who carved his way over for their second try. Matt Pilbeam was on target and the lead changed hands with Portsmouth now ahead 9-12 with about 10 minutes remaining. A series of pick and goes kept the ball in the visitors hands and as the clock went into the red scrumhalf Wright kicked to touch to secure a very well earned victory. This was a very well deserved victory with Portsmouth probably wanting it more and played with a great deal of heart in very difficult conditions. The backs were not afraid of setting up some good moves despite the occasional error. The weather did worsen as the game progressed and in the second half it was difficult to make out the forwards on the far side of the pitch. Both teams started in dark colours and by the end certainly it was difficult to make out who was who in the packs. This is Portsmouth’s 3rd win on the bounce. Before this match, Eastleigh were in 6th place with 5 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses. 28 points. Portsmouth were 8th. with 3 wins and 6 losses on 17 points. Another pleasing point was Portsmouth denying Eastleigh scoring tries through some heroic defending. Fooks had yet another good game at No. 8, deputising for the suspended Aaron Beesley.

This result sees Portsmouth move up to 7th on 21 points. Next week is a blank week so hopefully that will give time for those carrying niggles and injuries, time to recover before their next fixture on Saturday 7th.December against Bognor at Rugby Camp. K.O. 2.00p.m.
Here is a thing to visualise, your reporter was engulfed by Sam Foster and Adam Parks-Dare, both covered in mud, in a congratulatory hug by them both after the match, which left me almost as muddy as they were. But it was worth it!!

TEAM
LIAM AVIS, BRAD ATKINS, ADAM PARKS-DARE
BRYN RAINFORD, SAM FOSTER(C)
LEE CHANDLER, HENRI DAVIES, ANT FOOKS
GEORGE WRIGHT, JAS SOLANKI
WILL DALZIEL, SAM OLIE, LEO WALL, HARVEY FIELD
STEWART DAVIES

BENCH
TOM MILHAM, VINNIE JEFFERIES, MATT PILBEAM

Portsmouth v Bournemouth 2nds, Saturday 16th November 2024, Counties 1 Hampshire League

The day started with a lunch in memory of Club stalwart Ken Reilly who sadly passed away last week. There were about 60 members present together with Jenny Reilly and her family. There was much recalling of memories of yesteryear. Just before the matches started, teams from the two games lined up for 1 minute’s applause in K.R’s memory.

Bournemouth are a much improved side from the one we played last season so Portsmouth new they were in for good contest and so it proved.
Portsmouth got the match underway and soon had Bournemouth pinned in their 22. A relieving kick from the visitors saw Portsmouth spin the ball through several pairs of hands and the move was finished of by Leo Wall who dotted down out wide. The conversion fell short so the score stood at 5-0 after about 3 minutes. Just under 10 minutes later Portsmouth set up another good handling move which was again finished off by Leo Wall scoring out wide. Again the kick fell short and they now led by 10-0. Portsmouth then lost Liam Avis to a yellow card for a high tackle. Following a penalty against the home side Bournemouth set up an attack and their big second row crashed over but somehow Portsmouth managed to get under him thus preventing a try. Bournemouth were now playing with a bit more confidence and they set up another attack which this time resulted in a try out wide which they converted, taking the score to 10-7 with about 30 minutes played. Avis was now back on having served his 10 minutes.

A good run from full back Matt Higgins saw play go deep into the opposition half. Brad Jewer than came close to scoring when he chased up a kick but he just put a foot in touch as he gathered the ball. Olie Avis then collected a kick from Bournemouth in his own half with the resultant kick going into touch giving the lineout to Portsmouth with a 50/22 kick but they then lost the lineout. Just on the stroke of half time Portsmouth set up another attack resulting in Wall going over for his hat- trick. Again the kick missed but the lead was now 15-7 as the half time whistle went.

Portsmouth made a change with Lee Chandler coming off to be replaced by Vinnie Jefferies. A good kick up field by Oli Avis saw the ball bounce close to the try line as Portsmouth followed up. A Bournemouth player got there first but was then penalised for holding on after the tackle. From the resultant scrum the ball was got quickly away by scrum half Wright and the ball went through various hands before Sam Olie took the final pass and cutting back inside scored under the posts. Matt Hughes was now taking on the conversions and his kick dissected the posts giving Portsmouth a 22-7 lead. Adam Parks-Dare then came off to be replaced by Louis Bristow, This was the home side’s 4 try giving them a bonus point. Brad Jewer also came off to be replaced by Harvey Field.

Bournemouth were again giving Portsmouth some problems and only good defensive work kept them out. Portsmouth then lost Bristow to a yellow card. Taking advantage of the yellow card Bournemouth set up an attack and scored their second converted try taking the score to 22-14. A good attack by Portsmouth eventually came to nothing when the final pass was adjudged to be forward. Portsmouth were now in attacking mode and a brilliant run by Jas Solanki saw him take the ball across field dummying his way through the opposition before stepping back inside to score close to the posts, again Higgins was on target with the conversion and the lead was now 29-14. From a scrum to Bournemouth 5 metres from the try line they broke blind and managed to squeeze in at the corner, the conversion missed and the score was now 29-19. The whistle went shortly after as Bournemouth knocked on and the game came to an end.
This was a good win for Portsmouth who were without their skipper who is serving a 2 match ban following his red card last week.

Ant Fooks stood in at No.8 and acquitted himself well and Sam Foster led the team well in the absence of Beesley. The pack played well against good opposition and the backs are now looking to be a potent force. Bournemouth had a few players who were playing 1st team rugby last season but with an influx of new player’s to their 1’s, are now in the seconds.

The disappointment for Portsmouth was that they were due to field 4 teams this weekend with 3 at home and 1 away. Unfortunately 2 of the opposition teams were unable to field sides so although Portsmouth 2nd got a walkover, the Vets away friendly game was also called off. Next week sees Portsmouth travel to Eastleigh which promises to be another hard game. Eastleigh lost away to Ellingham & Ringwood 48-16. Eastleigh are now 6th. with Portsmouth in 8th.

TEAM
LIAM AVIS, BRAD ATKINS, ADAM PARKS-DARE
SAM FOSTER(C), BRYN RAINFORD
LEE CHANDLER, HENRI DAVIES, ANT FOOKS
GEORGE WRIGHT, JAS SOLANKI
LEO WALL, OLI AVIS, SAM OLIE, BRAD JEWER
MATT HIGGINS

BENCH
LOUIS BRISTOW, VINNIE JEFFERIES, HARVEY FIELD

Portsmouth v New Milton, Saturday 9th November 2024, Counties 1 Hampshire League

Portsmouth travelled into the heart of the New Forest for this match. The game was preceded by a minutes silence in respect of Remembrance Sunday.
Portsmouth got the game underway and soon had New Milton pinned in their half of the pitch. Despite several attacks on the opposition line they were only able to come away with 3 points from a penalty after about 10 minutes, through the boot of Jas Solanki. It was another 5 minutes before they added to their score with a try by Brad Jewer after play had gone from one side of the pitch to the other. The conversion by Solanki was good and they now led 5-10.

Shortly after this New Milton managed to get into the Portsmouth half and eventually they won a penalty which they converted to take to score to 3-10. With the game now being played between the 22’s it was New Milton who added to their score with a second penalty making it 6-10 on 24 minutes. Portsmouth were having problems with the lineout but eventually they scored through Aaron Beesley but the referee ruled it out as he had touched down on the 5 metre line by mistake. The same thing happened last season when we played here. Fortunately he soon made amends when from a scrum he broke clear and scored out wide. The conversion missed but their lead was now 6-15 with about 4 minutes of the half remaining. New Milton pressed hard for a score but good defense kept them out. Portsmouth then added to their score with a well worked try scored by Olie Avis. Again the kick missed but the score was now 6-20 and the half time whistle went just after the last score.

The second half got underway with Louis Bristow going on to prop, with Adam Parks-Dare coming off. The Portsmouth pack were giving a very good account of themselves, often pushing their opponents right off the ball. Sam Foster also came off with Lee Chandler taking his place, Liam Glazebrook showed his pace when he ran from his 22 right into the opposition 22 before he was tackled. The first score of the second half came from a penalty to Portsmouth converted by Solanki, taking the score to 6-23 on 59 minutes. From a 5 metre scrum Portsmouth drove their opponents back and Liam Glazebrook picked up the ball and scored out wide. This time Solanki converted the try taking the score to 6-30 on 62 minutes. That was their 4 try and a bonus point.

Parks-Dare then went back on as Liam Glazebrook came off. New Milton were under some pressure and they threw out a rather speculative ball that went to no one in particular. Sam Olie was aware of what was happening and he quickly sped through to touch down with ball almost under the posts. Solanki was again on target and the score was now 6-37 on 69 minutes.

New Milton were now getting a bit frustrated as they were desperate to score a try but good defense kept them out. Almost on the stroke of half time there was a bit of a tussle with one Portsmouth player lying on the ground, appearing to be kicked in the back. More scuffles broke out and the upshot was a red card issued to Beesley with the final whistle going immediately after.

This was a good result for Portsmouth, apart from the red card, although they struggled at times with the lineout and sometimes handling let them down resulting in missed opportunities.

Portsmouth’s position in the table sees them move up to 9th on 12 points, just 1 point ahead of Bognor. Bournemouth 2nds are only 3 points ahead on 15 as they lost to Effingham & Ringwood 7-25. Bournemouth are next week’s opponents so that promises to be a close match.
All matches for November, December, January and February are a 2.00pm kick off unless played under lights. Please make a note so you don’t miss any of the game. This is an R.F.U ruling.

TEAM
LIAM AVIS, ANT FOOKS, ADAM PARKS-DARE
MATT HOBAN, BRYN RAINFORD
SAM FOSTER, LIAM GLAZEBROOK, AARON BEESLEY (C)
GEORGE WRIGHT, JAS SOLANKI
HARVEY FIELD, OLIE AVIS, SAM OLIE, BRAD JEWER
MATT HIGGINS

BENCH
LOUIS BRISTOW, LEE CHANDLER, ALI MACDONALD