The First xv left it late against Eastleigh at Rugby Camp (see Jim Dixons report) but it was a fantastic end to a second period which we spent entirely in Eastleighs half of the pitch.
The Casuals won 76-0 away to Eastleigh with tries from, Ryan Bateman, Kallen Wilke, Hywel Gronow, Harry Drew, Henrie Thorne all with a try each. Henry Gill and Sam Witt with a brace and a hat-trick for Matt Austin. Hywel Gronow also added eight conversions, as one of the Colts stepping up in the second xv along with Henrie Thorne, Sam Witt and Gronow himself played well. All three stepped up for their first senior game and they all put in a great shift. Well done, it’s great to see the transition between colts and seniors gelling together nicely.
I’d love to give you a report from the Under 10’s at New Milton except we didn’t make it there. Thanks to a car malfunction on the M27, many thanks to Dave Thomas for assisting with the rescue of wife, child, dog and gazebo. I believe the U10s had a great day and are looking forward to their next tournament.
Instead of being at New Milton I got the chance to watch the Valkyries at home to Ellingham & Ringwood who romped home in a 76-0 win. Hat-tricks for centre Georgie Harris and wing Katie Wadeson while full back Nikki Buckingham bagged herself two tries. Also on the scoresheet were fly-half Nancy Lismore, No.8 Zoe Jones, Keeta Rowlands and Ciera Forry all with one each.
The Valks second xv travelled to Swanage and Wareham (thanks for the toot toot from the bus as you passed us on the hard shoulder) where a valiant performance saw them just edged out by ten points to seven. Prop Niamh Bevan scored our only try which was converted by Meg Wright.
The Colts compounded Eastleighs miserable weekend of results against us with a 54-7 drubbing at Rugby Camp, although it was a friendly fixture it’s still good to get a run of wins together.
U12s match report; What a difference a week makes! U12’s managed to right the wrongs of last week with four outstanding matches at New Milton. Despite losing the first game they found momentum in the second, narrowly missing out on a win against Tottonians but romped home with 2 victories against Romsey and tournament hosts New Milton. Coach Matt says “the squad really were impressive, their hard work, enthusiasm and enjoyment on the pitch was infectious, they firmly showed they are a force to be reckoned with!”
The U13s played United Services in a cup match winning by five tries to four, Dexter Oliver was player of the match, most improved was Matin Javid and Donut of the Day Jack Nickleson.
On Friday night the U14’s welcomed Chichester to Rugby Camp for a cracking game under the new floodlights.
Having not played each other before, neither side knew what to expect. But the action on the pitch did not disappoint.
Played in quarters, Portsmouth won each quarter. Eventually running out 54-10 winners but the scoreline doesn’t do justice to the quality and skill of the Chichester side who tested us in every area of the pitch. Particularly pleasing from a Portsmouth perspective was the variation in which the tries were made and where they were scored. Not to mention an immense defensive effort to frustrate the visitors throughout. Eight tries were scored, Henry with two, Finley, Harry, Seth, Michael, Jake and Shaye one each (with 7/8 successfully converted by Shaye) sent the Portsmouth lads home with deserved smiles on their faces.
Portsmouth v Eastleigh, Saturday 7th October 2023, Counties 1 Hampshire
Portsmouth 31 – 22 Eastleigh
Match Report by Jim Dixon
It was an ideal day for a game of rugby, the sun was out, it was warm with only a gentle breeze blowing down the pitch. There was 1 enforced change to the selected side. Tawanda Matipano had to drop out due to family reasons. His place was taken by Will Dalziel who was moved from the wing to fullback. Harvey Field came off the bench to play on the wing and Brad Jewer was moved from the 2’s to the 1’s bench. We were all expecting to see a continuation of the last two performances with slick passing and good interplay between backs and forwards but, alas, that didn’t happen. What we had was a rather disjointed performance for the most part with passes not always going to hand or not being held by the recipient. In part this was down to Eastleigh’s defence which was very good. Eastleigh were first on the scoreboard with a converted try after about 6 minutes. Portsmouth were able to reduce that lead with a well taken penalty from between the 10 metre and half way line but into a breeze. Morgan was on target so the score was now 3 – 7. Eastleigh were soon back on the attack and scored their second try out wide but the conversion missed so the score was now 3 – 12. The score was really due to some poor tackling. As the game progressed towards half time Eastleigh set up another attack which resulted in the third converted try taking the lead to 3 – 19. Again a result of poor or no tackling. A good run by prop Adam Parks-Dare saw Portsmouth take play into the visitors 22. A penalty against Eastleigh saw Morgan kick for touch giving Portsmouth a line-out 5 metres from the try line. Portsmouth secured the throw-in and set up a good catch and drive resulting in their first try scored by hooker Bradley Atkins. The score now stood at 10 – 19 after Morgans successful conversion. Aaron Beesley then came on to replace Dan Spencer on the back row. The half time whistle went shortly after.
The second half started with Will Dalziel coming off to be replaced by Brad Jewer. Adam Parks-Dare also come off to be replaced by Liam Avis in the front row. Portsmouth were now beginning to play the style of rugby we wanted to see and a good run took them deep into the visitors half. Eastleigh then got penalised for not releasing after the tackle. From the resultant line-out Portsmouth lost possession but regained it to win another line-out. This time they were penalised for a crooked throw. A penalty against Portsmouth saw Eastleigh increase their lead to 10 – 22 after about 50 minutes. Portsmouth had a great opportunity to close the gap when a good run by Connor Charlton was carried on by Beesley but his final pass was not held and a golden chance went begging, A cross kick by Morgan just failed to find its target giving Eastleigh a 22 drop out. Another chance was missed when Portsmouth lost a line-out close to the Eastleigh try line, enabling them to clear their line. A penalty to Portsmouth saw Morgan place a good touch kick and this time they managed to hold on to the ball which was spun wide and across the pitch with some good inter-passing resulting eventually in Brad Jewer touching down close to the touch line. Morgan was again on target and the score was now 17 – 22. Most of the play was now being carried out in the Eastleigh half. From another Portsmouth line-out Beesley took the ball and crashed through the defence to score close to the posts giving Morgan a straightforward conversion. The score was now 24 – 22 and Portsmouth now had their noses in front, but only just. Lee Chandler then came off with cramp so Will Dalziel went back on in his place. Another good attack by Portsmouth resulted with the ball in Connor Charlton’s hand and he raced through to score out wide. Morgan was again on target and the lead was now 31- 22 and a bonus point for the 4th.try. It also took Eastleigh’s chance of a loosing bonus point away from them. There was still 2 or 3 minutes left so Portsmouth had to be aware not to give any penalties away and make sure their defence was solid. They managed to hold out to secure their 3rd win on the bounce and their 3rd. bonus point win. Portsmouth played much better in the second half, denying Eastleigh territory and the ball for good periods of play but they did leave at least 3 tries out there which mustn’t happen next week. No.9 Tom Sanderson was awarded MoM by Mo Twells who is sponsoring the award on home matches. This win sees them slip to 4th place on 15 points as Andover jump ahead of them on points difference but also on 15 points. Andover played Alton and ran out impressive winners 21 – 83. Portsmouth will certainly need to play much better than this next week if they want to keep their winning run going. It is obviously going to be a very hard fought game. Gosport & Fareham beat Bournemouth 2’s 40 – 23 and now move into 2nd place behind Petersfield.
MoM Tom Sanderson
TEAM: PHIL GALLILAND, BRAD ATKINS, ADAM PARKS-DARE. SAM FOSTER, MAX CLARKE. DAN SPENCER, ANT.FOOKS,. ELLIOTT WORRALL. TOM SANDERSON, LEE CHANDLER. CONNOR CHARLTON, SIMON MORGAN, JOSH HOWELL-WILLIAMS. WILL DALZIEL. BENCH: LIAM DAVIS, AARRON BEESLEY, BRAD JEWER.
Alton v Portsmouth, Saturday 30th September 2023, Counties 1 Hampshire
Alton 14 – 42 Portsmouth
Report by Jim Dixon
Portsmouth had to make several changes to last week’s team due to absence and injury although they did have Simon Morgan back for his first League start following treatment on his achilles tendon, a problem that he had from the end of last season.
Portsmouth played into the wind on pitch that no matter which way you ran, always seemed uphill. Alton kicked off and Portsmouth gathered and made a good touch kick. Alton won the resultant line out and kicked the ball towards the Portsmouth goal line but Will Dalziel was able to get back and kick the ball over the dead ball line. This gave Alton a 5 metre scrum and they broke on the blind side and scored the first try close to the posts. The kick was converted and their lead was 7 – 0. From the restart Portsmouth were awarded a penalty for a no arms tackle and Morgan took a kick at goal from just outside the Alton 22 but into the wind which was blowing diagonally across the pitch. He was on target and the score was now 7 – 3 with about 8 minutes on the clock. From the restart Portsmouth set up a good passing movement taking to ball downfield. They then switched to run from left to right and a good move was completed by Will Dalziel who crossed under the posts. Again Morgan was on target with the conversion and Portsmouth now led 7 – 10. Portsmouth were now getting into their stride and a series of handling moves kept them in the Alton half. Alton then managed to get into the Portsmouth half and from a line out they crossed for their 2nd try under the posts which with the conversion saw them regain the lead 14 – 10. Both the Alton tries were really as a result of poor tackling which was annoying as they had been doing well in that department during the half. One or two scoring opportunities where missed by Portsmouth as they kept pressure on the Alton goal line but couldn’t make the final pass hit its target. Portsmouth then had to take Leo Wall off as he had hit his head on the ground in a tackle and he failed his HIA. He was replaced by Arthur Layton. Josh Howell-Williams then made a good break and a neat kick ahead was gathered by Sam Foster who showed good pace for a second row and he crossed out wide for a good score. Again Morgan was on target and Portsmouth now retook the lead 14 – 17 as the half time whistle went shortly after.
Portsmouth got the second half underway with a change in the front row. Phil Galliland was replaced by Adam Parks-Dare. Alton had a chance to level the score with a penalty but the kick missed. A line-out to Alton was over-thrown and picked up by Lee Chandler who passed to Morgan who put in a good touch kick down field. Chandler then had to come off with a knee injury. Dan Spencer took his place. Finn Parry also came off and was replaced by Phil Galliland. A gook kick ahead by Morgan was gathered well by Will Dalziel who showed good pace to run through the opposition and go round and touch down under the posts. Morgan was on target and Portsmouth now lead by 14 -24. More pressure by Portsmouth forced Alton to give away a penalty which Morgan duly converted to take the score to 14 – 27. Shortly after all this Portsmouth had a scrum inside the Alton 22 and No.8 Elliott Worrall crossed for their 4th try giving them a bonus point. Morgan converted and the lead was now 14 – 34. Shortly after this Worrall was again on the scoreboard with his second try. Surprisingly Morgan missed the conversion and the score was now 14 – 39. A brilliant one handed interception by Foster saw him take the ball into the Alton half. Finn Parry then came back on to replace Anthony Fooks. A good run by Brad Atkins which saw him break through 3 tackles eventually came to nothing with the final pass failing to find its target. A fine run, this time by Tom Sanderson saw him make good ground, resulted in a penalty to Portsmouth for offside by Alton. Morgan took the kick which sailed through the posts taking the score to 14 – 42 as the final whistle went. |The Coaches we a bit annoyed at the 2 converted tries Alton score which were really as a result of poor tackling
This was another good show by Portsmouth who kept the momentum of last weeks victory going with more quick and crisp handling and linking between forwards and backs.
Portsmouth also showed good pace on the ball and again Connor Charlton also made some good runs, looking to find gaps if possible. Alex Higson also led the way in how to tackle under the new tackle laws with all his tackles going round the ankles of his opponents. Unfortunately for Portsmouth he is off to Uni next week. Next week should see some of this weeks absentees returning which will make for some hard decisions for the coaches when selecting next weeks team.
Their opponents next week will be Eastleigh who lost today to Trojans 24- 18. Eastleigh are now 9th. place.
Today’s result sees Portsmouth reach the dizzy heights of 3rd place in the league on 10 points. Andover are 4th.also on 10 points but with a slightly bigger points difference. Petersfield still head the table with a 34-5 defeat of Andover. They are on 15 points with Gosport & Fareham 2nd also on 15 points but Petersfield have a better points difference
TEAM: PHIL GALLILAND, BRAD ATKINS, ANTHONY FOOKS.
FINN PARRY, SAM FOSTER.
ALEX HIGSON, LEE CHANDLER, ELLIOTT WORRALL.
TOM SANDERSON, SIMON MORGAN.
CONNOR CHARLTON, LEO WALL, JOSH HOWELL-WILLIAMS, HARVEY FIELD.
WILL DALZIEL
BENCH: ADAM PARKS-DARE, DAN SPENCER, ARTHUR LAYTON
U15’s v Basingstoke
The U15s had their first league game today against Basingstoke at home. An amazing performance and a 37-21 win for the Portsmouth boys. A hat trick for full back Jamie Morgan, two tries by Fly Half Rhys Arnott a try each for Logan Lavery and Max Dixon.
U14’s v East Grinstead, Friendly , Away
The U14’s had their first friendly fixture of the season, travelling to East Grinstead. Where they were welcomed by their chairman who also refereed the match. On the pitch the boys started the season with the same kind of intensity they finished their U13’s campaign. Playing fast, free-flowing rugby and not allowing their opponents any space in defence or attack.
The relentless pressure meant Portsmouth winning 54-0 against a spirited East Grinstead side who never gave up or let their heads drop. Unsurprisingly there were some magnificent performances across the squad, but a special mention has to go to Arthur who the opposition voted player of the match in his very first club rugby match.
There was a sense of poignancy as it is three years since the tragic death of East Grinsteads head coach Police Sergeant Matt Ratana, the club have installed a permanent memorial, silhouette of Matt overlooks the pitches where he continues to watch the games at the club where he was so popular.
Portsmouth v Trojans, Saturday 23rd September 2023, Counties 1 League match
Portsmouth 57-13 Trojans
Match Report by Jim Dixon
Portsmouth came onto the pitch through a tunnel formed by Portsmouth Under 10’s. Games between Portsmouth and Trojans have been close affairs recently and before that they were often our bogey side. Portsmouth had to make a few changes from last week with injuries and a few players crossing the Channel to watch England v Chile. Another noted difference is the recently re-vamped old clubhouse which has a well stocked bar and is open on every match day so that spectators can get drinks more easily than climbing upstairs. This has been led by former player Dave Thomas who is now Club Bar Manager and Events Co-ordinator.
Trojans got proceedings underway and a penalty by Portsmouth gave Trojans and easy 3 points as the kick was almost in front of the posts close to the 22. This was after just a few minutes of play. From the re-start fullback Tawanda Matipano caught the ball and from a good run crossed the line for a try out wide. The conversion just missed but the lead was now 5 – 3 to Portsmouth. This was Tawanda’s debut match for Portsmouth and he didn’t disappoint. He is known to Coaches and team mates as ‘T’ ‘T’ was soon in action again with another good run and a kick through which was followed up by scrum half Tom Sanderson. The ball bounced of an opponent and Sanderson was able to collect and cross for their 2nd try. This time Gareth Davies was on target and the lead was now 12 – 3, Bryn Rainford then had to leave the field with a broken nose to be replaced by Alex Higson. A penalty awarded to Trojans for offside was converted so the gap closed to 12 – 6 with about 20 minutes gone. From a Trojans line out they kicked the ball down field and this was gathered by Portsmouth who then set up a great passing movement involving the 3’s which resulted in Connor Charlton finishing of the move with a try under the posts. Davies was again on target and the lead was now 19 – 6 with about 28 minutes on the clock. Centre Will Dalziel then had to come off with a hamstring strain and he was replaced by Harvey Field. Portsmouth were again on the scoreboard following a good handling movement involving forwards and backs which was finished off by No.7 Lee Chandler dotting down under the posts. Davies was again on target and the score was now 26 – 6. That was Portsmouth’s 4th. try and bonus point with about 5 minutes of the half remaining. Prop Adam Parks-Dare then came off to be replaced by Liam Avis. A penalty to Trojans saw them kick to touch deep in the Portsmouth half but Portsmouth managed to steal the resultant throw in and took play back in to the Trojans 22. Shortly after this Portsmouth lost 2nd.row Finn Pary to a yellow card and the half time whistle went shortly after.
The second half saw Portsmouth playing with the wind behind them. A long kick down field saw Trojans mis-handle and Portsmouth won the resultant line out. From that lineout Portsmouth set up a good catch and drive and No 8 Aaron Beesley .crossed for a try. Davies was again on target and the lead was now 33 – 6. A rather loose pass by Trojans was intercepted by Harvey Field who made good ground before offloading to Josh Howell-Williams who touched down out wide. With the conversion dissecting the posts Portsmouth’s lead was now 40 – 6. All this was while Portsmouth were down to 14 players. Portsmouth were unlucky not to increase that lead when they gathered to ball deep in their half and ‘T’ made good ground before passing to No.9 Sanderson who made further inroads into the opposition half and some more interpassing until the ball was knocked on. Another great scoring movement saw Portsmouth handling the ball well ,linking backs and forwards and eventually No.6 Fooks crossed for a very good team try. The resultant conversion sailed through the posts taking the lead to 47 – 6. Trojans then managed to get deep into Portsmouth territory and they eventually managed to cross for a try close to the posts. Their conversion was good and the score was now 47 – 13. Portsmouth were soon back on the attack and prop Liam Avis crossed for a try out wide. The conversion missed and the score now stood at 52-13. Yet another good passing movement involving backs and forwards eventually resulted in No.12 Dan Gates crossing for a try. The conversion missed and the score was now 57 -13 and the final whistle went shortly after.
This was one of the best performances seen at Rugby Camp for quite a while. The catalyst for this was Portsmouth’s No15 who showed he was very much a team player, always looking to involve players around him. He is a very balance runner with good pace and stepping ability. He seemed to inspire those around him with a lot of confidence and as a result we saw plenty of pace and good handling with the ball being moved quickly. The forwards also acquitted themselves well, especially the front row with Phil Gilliland making good ground when the chance came. It was also very pleasing to see Adam Parks-Dare back in his rightful position. Everyone played an important part in the win and that includes the bench.
This win sees Portsmouth climb up the table to 8th.place on 5 points. Petersfield remain top after their defeat of Alton 102 -0, our opponents next week. Alton are currently bottom but Portsmouth mustn’t take it that this will be an easy game. We all know that teams who have a heavy defeat one week can easily bounce back so we must go with the right attitude.
TEAM: ADAM PARKS-DARE, BRAD ATKINS, PHILGALLILAND,
FINN PARRY, BRYN RAINFORD
ANT FOOKS, LEE CHANDLER, AARON BEESLEY.
TOM SANDERSON, GARETH DAVIES.
CONNOR CHARLTON, DAN GATES, JOSH HOWELL-WILLIAMS, WILL DALZIEL.
TAWANDA MATIPANO.
BENCH: LIAM AVIS, ALEX HIGSON, HARVEY FIELD.
Petersfield v Portsmouth, Saturday 16th September 2023, Counties 1 Hampshire
Match Report by Jim Dixon
Petersfield 57 – 12 Portsmouth
This season’s league started with an away trip up the A3 to Petersfield. Petersfield have managed to secure the services of two former National 2 players as player/coaches. Both were playing for Worthing last season who finished the league in 4th.place. Liam Perkins, No8, captain of Worthing last season, and Matt McClean, fullback last season and with one of the highest points tally’s in the league, Perkins also captained Hampshire last season.
5 minutes into the game and Petersfield opened the scoring with a converted try from a 5 metre line-out and catch and drive 7 – 0. Shortly after Sam Olie saved an almost certain try with an excellent tackle. As Petersfield recycled the ball more good defensive work by Portsmouth kept them out and eventually they won a penalty, enabling them to clear their lines. However the respite was short lived as Petersfield scored another converted try taking the score to 14 – 0. The Petersfield backs were now getting into the game and with plenty of pace they scored a try taking the score to 19 – 0. This was extended to 26 – 0 when they picked up a loose ball to score a converted try after about 20 minutes. Portsmouth were beginning to get more possession of their own but were let down by the final pass not going to hand. A cross kick to the touch line just missed the Portsmouth winger and from the resulting line-out Petersfield ran the ball up field to score a converted although a couple of the passes looked a bit suspect. 33 – 0. Another try took the score to 38 – 0. From the restart Petersfield No 8 caught the ball and showing his class made plenty of ground deep into the Portsmouth 22 before offloading to a supporting player who scored out wide taking the score to 43 – 0 as the half time whistle went.
From the start of the second half Portsmouth winger Brad Jewer gathered a loose ball and stepped his way through to the try line for Portsmouth to at last get on the score board. 43 – 5. Portsmouth were now attacking with a bit more energy and were managing to keep Petersfield in their own half for long periods of play but couldn’t make that break due to good defence from Petersfield . With about 15 minutes remaining Petersfield scored their first try of the second half with a rather rare breakout taking their lead to 50 – 5. Portsmouth were soon back on the attack and did manage to drive over the try line but were adjudged to have been held up. With the final minutes of the game closing in Petersfield scored their last try taking the score to 57 – 5. Portsmouth kept their efforts up and from a good cross kick by Gareth Davies the ball fell into second row Sam Foster’s hands as he was running full tilt. He sped through the defence to score close to the posts giving Gareth Davies an easier conversion and taking the final score to 57 – 12. In some ways this was a strange ending as everyone thought that after a the first half score Portsmouth would struggle to contain their opponents but as the half progressed it was Portsmouth who were having then better of the territory and when the final whistle went the second half score was only 14 – 12.
Petersfield’s ambition this season is to win this league as the coaches are on a 2 year contract. On this showing they are going to be there or thereabouts. Following today’s game Portsmouth will be without Sam Olie for a while with a knee injury and also Jordan Cracknell with a broken hand which is going to take a lot longer to mend.
Next week sees Portsmouth at home to Trojans who lost to Gosport & Fareham 32 – 30 so that looks as though it is going to be another hard game.
TEAM: PHIL GILLILAND, BRAD ATKINS, ANTHONY FOOKS.
SAM FOSTER, BRYN RAINFORD.
ELLIOTT WORRALL, LEE CHANDLER, AARON BEESLEY.
TOM SANDERSON, GARETH DAVIES.
BRAD JEWER, DAN GATES,SAM OLIE, CONNOR CHARLTON.
JOSH HOWELL WILLIAMS.
BENCH: LIAM AVIS, JORDAN CRACKNELL, LEO WALL.
Portsmouth v Basingstoke, Saturday 9th September 2023, Pre-season friendly
Match report by Jim Dixon
Portsmouth 17 – 22 Basingstoke
This was the last of 4 pre-season warm up games. Basingstoke were in the same league as Portsmouth last season but have now been relegated to Counties 2 Hampshire.
There were a few changes from last weeks loss to Brighton which was always the plan so that all squad players had a good run out prior to the season proper starting.
For the first 15-20 minutes neither side were able to establish any authority on the match. Eventually it was Stoke who opened the scoring with a try out wide to take a 0 – 5 lead. From a penalty Stoke were able to kick to touch and set up a catch and drive from the line out, scored their 2nd try to take a 0 – 12 lead. Portsmouth managed to close the gap with a try by Bryn Rainford after some good pressure, the score now 5 – 12. The conversion hit the upright and bounced back into the field of play. Stoke soon extended their lead with a try from a driving maul taking the score to 5 – 17 as the half time whistle went.
The second half saw Stoke straight back on the attack with a 3rd try taking the score to 5 – 22. It must be said tjhat better tackling could have prevented the score. A penalty in front of the posts gave Stoke a chance to increase their lead but the kick went wide. Portsmouth were now begining to put some moves together and that resulted in their 2nd try thanks to good work from Brad Jewer and finished off by Harry Drew, taking the score to 10 – 22. A 3rd try this time from Adam Parks-Dare who scored out wide following a period of pressure from Portsmouth. The score was now 17 – 22. Just 1 more score was needed to change the result but despite their best endeavours time got the better of them as the final whistle went giving a victory to the visitors.
It was a rather dis-jointed first half in which there seemed a lack of cohesion from Portsmouth, fortunately that got a bit better in the second half but there were too many missed or half hearted tackles on show. Having said that it was a game played under extreme heat which made handling rather difficult with very sweaty hands. The Ref made sure that there were plenty of water breaks during the game.
Next week sees the start of the League campaign with the 1’s away to Petersfield in what promises to be a pretty hard fought game.
TEAM: FOOKS, ATKINS, PARKS-DARE.
CRACKNELL, PARRY,
WORRALL, RAINFORD, BEESLEY.
DREW, CHANDLER,
CHARLTON, GATES, OLIE, JEWER.
HOWELL-WILLIAMS.
BENCH: HENWOOD, BOSHER, DALZIEL, MORGAN.
Brighton II v Portsmouth, Pre-season Friendly, Sat 2nd September 2023
Match Report by Jim Dixon
Portsmouth travelled to Brighton for their penultimate pre-season warm up match. This was going to be their toughest fixture to date, especially as it transpired that Brighton had 5 or 6 players who had been hoping to take part in their 1st.XV match against Bracknell which was being played at Brighton.
Portsmouth kicked off and were soon putting Brighton under pressure. The forwards got a good drive going towards the Brighton line but the ref deemed the ball to have been held up. Shortly after, a quickly taken tapped penalty by Portsmouth saw the ball spun wide and Connor Charlton crossed for the first try of the match. Tom Sanderson was on target with the conversion and Portsmouth led 0 – 7 with about 20 minutes gone. Portsmouth has a chance to increase the lead with a penalty but the kick drifted wide. Another try chance went begging for the visitors with a knock-on just short of the try line. After a bit of pressure by Brighton they scored their first try which was converted bringing the scores level at 7 a’piece. This try seemed to waken Brighton up and they started to put pressure on Portsmouth and scored their second converted try just before half time giving them the lead 14- 7.
The second half started with Brighton very much on the attack and soon added to their first half score with a converted try taking the score to 21 – 7. This was followed by another converted try taking the score to 28 – 7. Portsmouth were now tiring after the hard work they put into the first half and Brighton were able to take advantage of that and 2 more converted tries took the score to 42 – 7. To their credit though Portsmouth didn’t give up on their efforts and they were finally rewarded from a catch and drive at a line out just inside the Brighton 22.which resulted in Bradley Atkins crossing the try line.. The conversion missed and the final whistle went with the result a 42- 12 win to Brighton. Brighton were obviously helped by having some 1stXV fringe players on hand and also by having a much larger squad so could replace players more frequently. The effort of the Portsmouth pack in particular was good to see as they were by no means disgraced. There was also good running in the backs which was good to see. They did leave 2 or 3 tries out there which would have made the final score a bit more respectable but the coaches have plenty to look forward to. The Portsmouth half backs took a bit of time to gel but that improved as the game went on. The whole squad got good game time and all aquitted them selves well.
Next week sees the last pre-season match at home to Basingstoke.
TEAM: FOOKS, ATKINS, PARKS-DARE.
CRIPPS, CLARKE.
WORRALL, REECE-MARTIN. SIMPSON (C).
SANDERSON, CHANDLER.
FIELD, WALL, OLIE, CHARLTON.
HOWELL WILLIAMS.
BENCH : PARRY. SPENCER. LEYTON. HIGSON.
Portsmouth Squad vs Hampshire Police Squad, Thursday 24th August 2023
Portsmouth 50 – 7 Hampshire Police
Match Report by Jim Dixon
Portsmouth got two- XV’s out for this training match. 1 squad was mainly 2nd. & 3rd.XV players and the other squad was mainly 1st.XV and some 2nd.XV players. This was the second pre-season game played under floodlights. Hampshire Police have recently resurrected their team and this was their 1st outing for 8 years. Several of their players are playing for other local sides. The sessions were split into 4 x 20 min. periods with the 2nds. & 3rds. playing first.
Hampshire Police opened the scoring almost from the kick off when they spun the ball across their backs and their centre shot through to score, the conversion was successful and they led 0 – 7. Portsmouth were soon able to hit back with a try from a driving maul taking the score to 5 – 7. The first session ended shortly after.
The second session started with the same teams on both sides and Portsmouth scored an early unconverted try thus taking the lead 10 – 7. This was followed shortly after by another Portsmouth try, this time converted, and increased their lead to 17 – 7. The second session ended on the same score.
The 3rd.session started with Portsmouth changing their teams over but Hampshire Police only had enough for half their team to be replaced.
From the re-start Portsmouth were able to set up a driving maul which resulted in a converted try taking their lead to 24 – 7. and the 3rd.session ended shortly after. The final session got underway and Portsmouth soon built on their lead with an unconverted try 29 – 7. A good cross kick by Portsmouth was caught by a back and he stepped through the defence to score a converted try, taking the score to 36 – 7. Another Portsmouth try saw them extend their lead to 43 – 7. The final try was scored under the posts so the conversion was on target and the score was now 50 – 7. The full time whistle went as the conversion went over.
Hampshire Police stuck gamely to their task but Portsmouth had just a bit too much power, pace and fitness for them. Also most of their team played the 80 minutes whilst our players only played 40 minutes. However this was a much better performance than last week with some good moves being tried.
Next week will see a big step up as Portsmouth are travelling to Brighton for the 3rd. pre-season match which will be played on Saturday with a 3.00 p.m. K.O..Brighton play in a higher league than Portsmouth.so this will be a good test as to where they are.
