Portsmouth 30 – 17 Petersfield
Match report by Jim Dixon
Portsmouth started the day with a lovely Memorial Lunch in memory of former Clubman and Coach, Sid Street, who sadly passed away recently after a long battle with cancer. Over 50 members and family enjoyed a great lunch provided as usual by former 1st XV prop and Chef Jimmy Martin.
On a lovely warm and sunny but blustery day Portsmouth kicked off into the wind and were soon attacking Petersfield’s goal line. A good touch kick by fly-half Gareth Davies, following a penalty saw Portsmouth set up a good catch and drive and crossed over for their first try scored by Elliott Worrall. Simon Morgan was on target with the conversion and they led 7 – 0 after 3 or 4 minutes. Shortly after Petersfield hit back with a penalty kick making the score 7 – 3. From another good kick by the fly-half Portsmouth were awarded a 5 metre scrum and they managed to drive Petersfield over their try line for Anthony Fooks to score. Morgan was again on target with the score now 14 – 3 after 10 minutes. Petersfield hit back with a try from a lineout 10 metres from the home sides try line and the conversion closed the gap to 14 – 10. This was followed shortly after with a yellow card for centre Lee Chandler. Petersfied then took advantage of the situation to score their second try thus taking the lead 14 – 17 although some rather lax defensive work didn’t help the home side’s cause. With about 25 minutes gone Chandler came back on having served his 10 minutes. The game was getting rather scrappy with both sides guilty of penalties and the first half rather petered out with the score still 14 – 17 in favour of the visitors.
The second half started with Portsmouth having the benefit of a following wind. Portsmouth had the opportunity to level the scores with a penalty but instead of a kick at goal they went for touch. From the lineout Portsmouth lost the ball and Petersfield were able to clear their lines. Petersfield then won another penalty giving them a chance to increase their lead but good defensive work by the home side prevented a score. Portsmouth then had a period of good possession and tried hard to close the gap but were just kept out by another penaly giving Petersfield a chance to clear their lines. Shortly after this the visitors managed to intercept a pass giving them a clear run in to the try line but luckily for the home side the player was deemed to be offside as he caught the ball. The resultant penalty saw Morgan on target and the score was now 17 apiece. Penalties continued to be issued against both sides thus disrupting the flow of the game. Then came a moment of brilliance for Portsmouth when prop Ryan Moore managed to rip the ball from a Petersfield and after making a bit of ground ne passed to centre Duncan Steed who made good ground before passing the Brad Jewer on the wing and henraced clear for a try near the touch line. The conversion missed but Portsmouth re-took the lead 22 – 17. With Portsmouth now getting some control back they ran another good line when the whistle went giving them a penalty although possibly advantage should have been played. Another penalty against Petersfield saw Morgan on target with his kick and the lead was now 25 – 17 with about 6 minutes remaining. Brad Jewer then scored his second try following a good 3’s move. This time the conversion just went wide with the score now 30 – 17 and about 90 seconds left. Eventually Portsmouth won the ball and a kick to touch by Elliott Worrall saw the final whistle go with a win to the home side. They also scored 4 tries so get a bonus point. The Coaching team was delighted with the win even if the game was rather scrappy. This win sees Portsmouth move into 5th. place level with Winchester who are ahead on points difference. Next weeks opponents are Gosport and Fareham who beat Trojans 38 – 31 and are in 3rd place.The one bit of worry for the coaches is an injury to scrum half Harry Drew. He took an off the ball tackle which resulted in an injury to his shoulder and could put him in doubt for next weeks match, after seeing the Club’s physio he was possibly going to hospital for an xray to see what the damage was.
After the game when everyone was back in the Clubhouse, President Nigel Morgan introduced this season’s Club Captain, Lee Chandler, and 1st XV Captain Max Clarke to much applause. Lee Chandler is the son of former Club Captain and Coach Ian Chandler and this is the first time in the Club’s history that father and son have appeared on the Honours Board.
Next weeks fixture promises to be a hard fought contest so lets hope plenty of supporters turn up to cheer them on.
TEAM:RYAN MOORE, ANTHONY FOOKS, FINN PARRY.
BRYN RAINFORD, MAX CLARKE,(C).
ELLIOTT WORRALL, MURRAY HOBSON, OLLIE SIMPSON.
HARRY DREW, GARETH DAVIES,
DUNCAN STEED, LEE CHANDLER, SIMON MORGAN, CONNOR CHARLTON.
JASHAN SOLANKI.
SUBS:YEHIA KHATIB, AARON BEESLEY, BRAD JEWER.
Trojans 10 – 11 Portsmouth
Match report by Jim Dixon
At last!
The rugby season is underway and Portsmouth tra’velled to Southampton to play Trojans in this new league The main difference from last season is that with the exception of Bournemouth 2’s and Jersey 2 all the remaining games are in Hampshire which means a bit less travelling. The day was ideal for an open game of rugby with the pitch in fair condition after the recent rains and no wind to speak of.
Unfortunately, with both teams guilty of giving too many penalties away, the game never really got going with too many stoppages. Trojans kicked off and gathered their own kick, taking play into the Portsmouth 22. A penalty to Trojans saw them take the lead 3 – 0 after a couple of minutes. Another penalty against the visitors saw Trojans on the attack again with a kick to touch. Portsmouth managed to turn the ball over from a resultant maul and won a penalty in the process. Portsmouth worked play into the home sides territory and managed to work the ball out to the backs and an impressive run by debut making Duncan Steed saw him race towards the try line only to be tackled into touch by the opposition. The Portsmouth scrum was now being put under a bit of pressure and only good defensive work kept Trojans at bay. Eventually Portsmouth won a penalty for a high tackle by Trojans and Simon Morgan, making a welcome return to Portsmouth, slotted an excellent penalty kick from just inside the Trojans half, taking the score to 3 – 3 with about 10 minutes of the half remaining. Another penalty against Trojans saw Morgan take another shot at goal from a wide angle but the ball just shaded the left hand post. Sam Olie had left the field earlier with a groin strain and was replaced by Connor Charlton. Portsmouth made another change with Aaronn Beesley coming off to be replaced by Ollie Siupson at No.8. From a good driving maul Portsmouth managed to shove Trojans back about 10 metres and crossed the line for a try credited to hooker Anthony Fooks. Morgan’s kick was just wide and they now led 3 – 8 with about 4 minutes of the half remaining. The half time whistle went with Portsmouth looking for more points.
The second half was much as the first with penalties given to both sides thus disrupting the flow of the game. Another good run by Duncan Steed saw him stopped by a high tackle and this time Morgan made sure of his kick extending Portsmouth’s lead to 3 – 11 with about 30 minutes gone. More changes were made by the Portsmouth coaches with Sam Foster coming off to be replaced by Aaron Beesley. Beesley went to No.6 and Worrall went into the second row with Bryn Rainford. The second half was turning into a stop start game as both sides continued to give away penalties. Elliott Worrall managed to steal a Trojans lineout ball and made good ground before he was stopped by a high tackle giving Portsmouth yet another penalty. Portsmouth were trying to add to their score but they just couldn’t get over the line. Portsmouth then found themselves having to defend as Trojans now tried to close the gap. Eventually Portsmouth fell foul of the referee who had by then warned both sides about the penalties being given and Aaron Beesley was given a team yellow card with about 4 minutes remaining. This spurred Trojans on as they were awarded a scrum 5 metres from the try line. With about 2 minutes left more problems for Portsmouth when Ollie Simpson was shown a yellow card, reducing them to 13 players and with another scrum awarded to the home side. this time they made sure with the extra numbers in their pack and they managed to drive Portsmouth over the line for a try which was converted taking the score to a nail biting 10 – 11 with only a couple of minutes left. From the restart Portsmouth managed to keep possession and were eventually awarded a scrum which they managed to win and the ball was kicked into touch followed by the final whistle giving Portsmouth the slenderest of wins.
Portsmouth won this game mainly on their defence which was pretty solid throughout the match. It was only in the dying moments when they were down to 13 that Trojans managed to get over the line. Duncan Steed on the wing showed good pace, making good ground on several occasions and the centre partnership of Morgan and Josh Howell-Williams looks promising. It was also good to see that Morgan hasn’t lost his ability to put in long touch kicks together with his conversions. It was a mightily relieved team of Coaches when the final whistle went together with supporting spectators that everyone was able to breathe freely again. To get this first game out of the way with a win was great for all concerned even if the game itself wasn’t a spectacle. Portsmouth have had this problem of giving away needless penalties for too long. If they can cut that down then they will be in a much better place for future games.
This win sees them in 5th. place on 4 points, next weeks opponents are Petersfield who drew with Basingstoke 29 – 29. They are in 7th. place on 3 points.
Lets hope that we get a good crowd to cheer the home side on.
TEAM: Yehia Khatib. Anthony Fookes, Finn Parry.
Bryn Rainford, Sam Foster,.
Elliott Worrall, Murray Hobson, Aaron Beesley,
Harry Drew, Lee Chandler(c).
Sam Olie, Simon Morgan, Josh Howell-Williams, Duncan Steed.
Jas Solanki
BENCH: Tom Smith, Ollie Simpson, Connor Charlton.
Tottonians 10 – 20 Portsmouth
Match Report by Jim Dixon
Portsmouth played their first pre-season game away to Tottonians on Thursday night 25th August . Portsmouth had a squad of 24 players present and all got plenty of game time. The evening didn’t get off to a great start with the mini bus breaking down at Fareham causing a delay in the start time of 7.00p.m. They eventually arrived having been collected by Portsmouth players who had travelled by car so K.O started about 7.45p.m. after a very quick team warm up session.
For the first 10 – 15 minutes it looked as though we were going to be in for a difficult evening as Totts piled on the pressure, but gradually as the team began to settle down they got into their stride. Suddenly they worked their way upfield and scored a good try. The Ref had decided that there would be no conversions due to the late start so the lead was 0 – 5. We were also holding our own at scrum time and again we found a way to the try line with our second score giving us a pleasing 0 – 10 lead. Totts closed the gap with a well taken try making it 5 – 10. but we then scored again extending our lead to 5 – 15. By now it was becoming rather murky as there were no lights on their 1’s pitch and it was also getting rather fiesty but we gave as good as we got! Half time came and we thought the game would be transfered to the floodlit training pitch but the Ref started the second half as we were. The time was now 8.35. p.m., and it was getting increasingly difficult to see properly. Eventually the whistle went and the game was transfered to the floodlit training pitch. The only problem there was that there was no touch flags and no goal posts so it was difficult to see where you were on the pitch. There was also no dead ball line marked out. Excellent defensive tackling kept the home side at bay but eventually Totts managed to score closing the gap to 10 -15. Their backs when they clicked, were causing us problems but again good defensive work kept them out. We then scored another try giving us a very satisfying 10 – 20 lead against a team 2 leagues above us. Due to a number of new faces I am unable to name all the scorers or the outstanding players. Indeed it would be unfair to mention some as the whole squad put in an admirable display. There was good work from the back row throughout the match and some very good touch line kicking often taking play deep into the opposition territory The scrum put in a very good shift and the thing that pleased the Coaches most was the way the team showed no tailing off when changes were made as they continued in the same aggresive manner.
Next Friday the squad is playing Bognor at Havant in a postponed pre-season friendly with a 7.15 pm K.O which will be under lights. Lets hope that the same mood continues..
Portsmouth 7 – 26 Andover
The day started with a celebration lunch in honour of Club President Peter Golding who is standing down after 50 years of loyal service to the Club as player, coach, Chairman and President. With nearly 90 members and former players present it was a fitting tribute to a wonderful servant of the Club. He has also played with and against some pretty illustrious players including Barry John, Don Clark in his 2 matches for the Barbarians Rugby Club as the sole uncapped player, as was the tradition in those days. It is probably true to say that Portsmouth R.F.C wouldn’t be where it is today without his hard work and commitment. President Elect Nigel Morgan made a presentation to Peter with a very emotional speech outlining his various achievements and Peter recieved several standing ovations from those present.
On a sunny but rather cold day Portsmouth got proceedings underway. Andover were soon on the attack and only some very robust Portsmouth defence kept them at bay. Eventually a cross kick from Andover went into touch giving Portsmouth a chance to clear their lines from the resultant lineout. Andover had the chance to be first on the score board with a penalty kick but it went wide of the posts. Shortly after this Andover set up another attack and from a long miss pass that was brilliantly read by flyhalf Gareth Davies who intercepted the pass and raced away almost three quarters of the length of the pitch to score wide out. He was also on target with the conversion giving the home side a 7 – 0 lead. Shortly after this Portsmouth again had a chance to increase their lead as they crossed the line but the Ref deemed the ball held up giving Andover a goal line dropout. After a period of pressure from Andover they managed to score out wide which was converted thus taking the score to 7 – 7. with about 5 minutes remaining. Shortly before half time Andover were able to increase their score to 7 – 12 with an unconverted try and the half time whistle went jusy afterward..
Andover got the secopnd half underway with Portsmouth having the benefit of a slight wind at their backs together with a flurry of snow. After a period of pressure from Andover when they were camped about 5 metres from the Portsmouth line, prop Ian French managed to drive Andover back about 10 – 15 metres thus relieving the pressure. However, Andover were soon able to increase their score wth a converted try giving them a 7 – 19 lead. Portsmouth then laid seige to the Andover try line but they eventually lost possession which saw the visitors kick upfield and suddenly they were scoring under the posts taking their scoe to 7 – 26 . Portsmouth were soon back on the attack but eventually they lost possession giving Andover the chance to kick into touch as the final whistle went.
The score probably didn’t reflect the Portsmouth effort although with several players challenging the Ref’s decisions they rsther lost his earlier support. They must realise that that should be the Captains decision alone. Ian French yet again confounded everyone with a good 80 minute performance. Also Anthony Fooks held up well in his roll as prop, he is usually playing No.7. but again he rose to the occassion.
THis has been a very challanging season for players and coaches alike, with the team changing every week. They also had serious injuries to several senior players who missed a huge number of games Head Coach Gareth Richards is unfortunately having to stand down for next season due to work committments which will take up a lot of Saturdays..
After the match President Elect, Nigel Morgan, presented an award to Gareth Richards for many years of playing and coaching at the Club. Also standing down is current 1st team Manager Ian Alvey after many years of valiant service to both the Junior and Senior Club. They will both be sorely missed.
This was the last league fixture for the current season so players and Officials can all take a very well earned rest. Despite today’s loss Portsmouth still remain in 10th.position.
Next season will probably see a re-structuring of the leagues so we will have to wait and see who our opponents will be for the 2022-23 season.
I hope that you all have a good restful Summer break and look forward to seeing you all at Rugby Camp next season.
Old Cranleighans 57 – 14 Portsmouth
Portsmouth travelled to Thames Ditton in this penultimate league fixture. On a brighter moment this was also centre Dan Gates 250th.League/Cup match appearance and he has been a vital member of the 1’s for many seasons.
Old Cranleighan got the match underway and after a bit of a tentative start it was Portsmouth who got on the scoreboard first, with a well taken interception by centre Evan Watts who took the ball just inside the O.C’s half way line and raced clear for his 1st try. Gareth Davies was on target with the conversion and the score was 0 – 7. O.C’s were soon on the attack and a catch and drive from a 5 metre lineout saw them cross for a converted try taking the score to 7 apiece. Portsmouth then lost No.8 Ollie Simpson to a yellow card for a deliberate slapdown of the ball. O.C’s were able to increase their score from the resultant penalty with a converted try giving them a 14 – 7 lead into half time.
Portsmouth got the second half underway playing into a stiff breeze but it was them who kept attacking the O.C’s line and from a series of raids they were eventually successful with Evan Watts crossing for his second try. Gareth Davies was again on target with the conversion bringing the score to 14 – 14. More Portsmouth pressure saw them camped on the home sides’try line but they just couldn’t find a way through. Eventually they lost possession of the ball which enabled O.C’s to clear their line with a good kick upfield. From a 5 metre lineout they set up another catch and drive and scored their 3rd try making the score 19 – 14. O.C’s 4th.bonus point try came shortly afterwards giving them a 26 – 14 lead. This rather knocked the visitors back and O.C’s were now getting into their stride with a couple of tries coming in quick succession taking the score to 45 – 14. Portsmouth injury woes continued with hooker John Nichols having to come off with a achillies injury to be followed by Anthony Fookes who sustained an ankle injury. Fooks had been propping at the start of the game but then went to hooker. This meant that as Portsmouth had no other front row replacement the scrums were now uncontested. Portsmouth managed to get back into the game and again camped on the O.C’s try line but just couldn’t find a way through. Eventually they lost possession and O.C’s were suddenly scoring at the other end, taking the score to 50 – 14. The final score came right on the stroke of full time giving O.C’s a 57 – 14 victory. This was a very disappointing result but with a much changed side from recent weeks and a long injury list of some experienced senior players it has been extremely difficult to select a settled team. Today they had only 2 nominated subs available. That is not to say that today’s squad didn’t work hard throughout the match as they certainly did that. There were some moves that showed good promise
This result leaves Portsmouth still in 10th.place on 28 points. Basingstoke,who couldn’t fulfill their fixture today, are now bottom with O.C’s in 11th.place on 21 points.
Next week sees the final League fixture at home to Andover who beat Old Georgians 46 – 26. Andover are now 5th. with Weybridge Vandals top after beating Alton 15 – 89.
Next week also sees a special lunch in honour of Peter Golding, who is stepping down as President after 50 years in various Club roles. He has been a fantastic servant to the Club. This will precede the fixture versus Andover which will kick off at 3.00 p.m.
Pulborough 10 – 58 Portsmouth
Jim Dixon writes…
A rather scenic trip into West Sussex saw Portsmouth play their first proper match for goodness knows how long.
Even the weather was kind with a sunny day and a gentle breeze.
This must be one of the most attractive grounds we have played on with Southdown Gliding Club next door and light aircraft towing gliders up pretty much all afternoon. I suspect it was a bit of a distraction to some of our players. Pulborough play in London 3 South West so are the same level as Portsmouth. They had a good run out last weekend with a convincing 57 – 21 win over Haslemere
Portsmouth had a few new faces on show together with some who were making a very welcome comeback. Darren Crabb, Daz Leggott and Rob Gicquel among them. Without a team sheet and the fact that this was a training run so the team was changing every twenty minutes or, so I’m afraid I don’t have scorers’ names, just the tries scored.
Pulborough got proceedings underway, playing into the wind, and Portsmouth were soon on the attack with a penalty awarded which was converted by fly half Gareth Davies giving Portsmouth a 0 – 3 lead after about 5 minutes of play.
Seven minutes later Portsmouth scored their second try, converted by Davies, increasing their lead to 0 -10.
With the Portsmouth pack pretty dominant the 3rd try soon followed but this time the conversion just missed. The score was now 0 – 15.
Pulborough then managed to get on the score board with a try through a driving maul but the conversion missed. the score was now 5 – 15.
Portsmouth soon hit back, however, and a converted try followed by a penalty on the stroke of half time saw their lead increase to 5 – 25.
The second half started playing into the wind and Portsmouth made good ground with plenty of handling moves and some good touch kicking. With the forwards in complete control Portsmouth soon added their 5th try and with the conversion the score was now 5 – 39 after about 56 minutes. The visitors then added a 6th. try, also converted, taking their lead to 5 – 46. Two more tries followed with 1 being converted taking the score to 5 – 58 Pulborough had the final score with a try following some good passing, but the conversion missed, and the final whistle went with a good victory to Portsmouth 10 – 58.
Everyone in the squad played their part well although sterner tests will follow undoubtedly. Next week sees Portsmouth at home to Gosport and Fareham in their final warm up game before the League gets underway the following week. Next week also sees the Presidents Lunch take place before the match with former player and Club member, Chef Jimmy Martin the Club’s new Caterer. If you haven’t already booked and want to come along then please contact Chalkie White quickly as places are filling up fast.
The 2nds also posted a good win -away to a combined 1 & 2’s Alresford XV 12 – 17
The Valkyries had a good win against Southampton Ladies at home 45-7
Portsmouth 25 – 0 Gosport & Fareham
Jim Dixon writes…
Portsmouth played their final warm up game at Rugby Camp, thier first home game for goodness knows how long. The match took place following the Presidents Lunch attended by 80 members who enjoyed a very good lunch with lots of tales of yester year.
Gosport got proceedings under way playing into a stiff breeze but were soon on the attack with their forwards putting the home side under pressure. Portsmouth managed to hold them at bay and gradually managed to work their way up to the Visitor’s 22 when they were awarded a penalty which was converted giving them a 3 – 0 lead. More pressure from the visiting pack saw Portsmouth again defending well, managing to repel several drives for the line. Eventually Portsmouth again worked their way up field and were awarded a second penalty but the kick went wide. Gosport then had a chance to level the score with a penalty in front of the posts but the kick went wide and half time whistle went with Portsmouth hanging on to a 3 – 0 lead.
The second half saw Portsmouth take advantage of the following wind and were soon camped deep in the Gosport half. Eventually from a good catch and drive the forwards drove over the line for the first Portsmouth try awarded to Anthonh Fooks. The conversion missed and the lead was now 8 – 0 with about 60 minutes played. A second push over try scored by Matt Hoban soon followed giving the home side a 13 – 0 lead as the conversion just missed. This was soon followed by a well taken try by the backs which increased their score to 18 – 0. Again the conversion missed. From the re-start Portsmouth caught the ball and spun it wide which enabled them to score their 4th. try under the posts. The conversion was successful giving them a deserved 25 – 0 lead and the final whistle went.
A harder game than last week was just what the team needed especially with a changed pack. Portsmouth stuck to the game plan well throughout the match, defending well especially in the first half. And better fitness served them well in the second half. Yet again the whole squad performed well throughout the game although some of the passing was a bit ‘hit & miss’.
Next week sees the start of the League season with an away game to Andover, never an easy place to go to, so it will be interesting to see how that goes.
Andover 31 – 27 Portsmouth
Jim Dixon writes…
Portsmouth travelled to Andover for the opening League match of the new season and their first competitive match for nearly two years with a comparatively new team. Three players were also making their 1st XV debut appearance. Matt Hyde, prop. Scott Weatherhead, winger and Dan Perry, flanker.
Portsmouth found themselves playing uphill and into a stiff breeze and were soon under pressure from the Andover pack. Good defence held them out however and they
gradually managed to work their way into the home side’s half. Following a good move which was finished off by Connor Chalton on the wing Portsmouth were first on the score board with a try although Lee Chandler couldn’t add the extra 2 points giving them a 0 – 5 lead after about 7 minutes. Andover soon hit back and scored a try through their prop who ran in under the posts following some poor defence by Portsmouth. The score was converted, and they took the lead
7 -5 on 10 minutes. The game then swung from end to end with Portsmouth squandering a couple of scoring chances through poor passing. After a period of pressure from Andover they increased their lead with a try from their No.8 which they converted, giving them a 14 – 5 lead with about 33 minutes gone. Prop Rhys Bowen then came off, to be replaced by Jordan Cracknell and the half time whistle went with Andover leading 14 – 5.
SECOND HALF
The second half started with Darren Crabb making way for Darren Leggott in the second row for Portsmouth. Portsmouth were able to close the gap to 14 – 8 after being awarded a penalty which Lee Chandler converted on 42 minutes. Playing down the slope and with a following wind Portsmouth were able to string some good moves together and flanker Anthony Fooks score a good try which was not converted, the score was now 14 – 13. A penalty to Andover saw them increase their lead to 17 – 13. Shortly after Chandler had to leave the field with an injury. Sam Ollie replaced him. More pressure from Portsmouth saw them score their third try which was converted by Tom Harrison giving them back the lead 17 – 20 with about 10 minutes remaining. Andover soon hit back with a converted try when they managed to work an overlap to score near the posts giving them back the lead 24 – 20. Tom Harrison then had to leave the field after a good run by him saw him tap tackled and he hit the hard ground with his knees. Rhys Bowen then came back on. More pressure from Portsmouth saw them retake the lead after a good move was finished by flanker Dan Perry scoring in the corner. This was their fourth bonus point try, which was converted, with an excellent kick from the touch line by Tom Hopkins, making the score 24 – 27. with about 2 minutes remaining. Andover then managed to work another overlap to score their fourth try which was converted giving the lead back at 31 – 27 and the final whistle went.
A very disappointing result for Portsmouth although this has never been a happy hunting ground for Portsmouth, who had some opportunities but were not able to turn them into points. Next week sees Portsmouth return to Rugby Camp for a fixture with Trojans. Trojans had a good win against Old Georgians 31– 8 which puts them in 3rd place. Portsmouth are in 8th.place. Warlingham top the table with a 41 – 8 win against Old Emanuel.
Portsmouth II 8 – 13 Gosport & Fareham 2nd XV
Mike Caspall writes…
Portsmouth Casuals hosted Gosport 2nds this weekend at rugby camp and lost a hard fought match 8 – 13. We were slow to get going, came under pressure in the scrum and gave away too many penalties, Gosport capitalized with 2 penalties and converted try. A dogged Pompey pack regained composure and threatened the Gosport line, a much changed Gosport side led 13-0 at the turn. Some stern word from captain Danny Harris saw a different team take the field in the second half – Joe Slater strong supporting run crossed the line, followed by a successful penalty meant it was all to play for, 5pts in the game with 15 on the clock, Portsmouth camped in the opposition 22 for much of the second half, twice over the line but not deemed a try and unable to use the width saw the game end 8 – 13 much to Gosport’s relief. A hard fought contest team dug deep to get back into the game and lots of positives in the second half to take to forward for the season.
Portsmouth 22 – 24 Trojans
Jim Dixon writes…
Portsmouth welcomed Trojans to Rugby Camp for their 2nd League match, hoping to put the disappointment of last weeks loss against Andover behind them.
Trojans got the game underway and were soon putting pressure on the Portsmouth line, but the home side were able to hold them out and following a penalty were able to get into the Trojans half. Eventually Trojans, from a scrum, won good ball and their No.8 took the ball from the base of the scrum and he crossed for the first try of the match just wide of the posts. The conversion missed and the score on 4 minutes was 0 – 5 to the visitors. 4 minutes later Portsmouth won a penalty following good pressure and fly-half Gareth Davies slotted to conversion making the score 3 – 5. Portsmouth were able to put pressure on Trojans with some good kicking from Davies. With the game swinging from end to end it was Portsmouth who scored next with a penalty by Davies making the score 6 – 5 with about 22 minutes on the clock. Portsmouth then had a lucky break following a good Trojans move which saw the final pass being adjudged forward. Their luck didn’t hold out for long however when a good move from Trojans saw some slick interpassing in their backs which resulted in a try close to the posts which was converted making the score 6 – 12 to Trojans. Trojans were soon on the attack again and were able to add another converted try giving them a 6 – 19 lead as the half time whistle went. Two Trojans tries in about 4 minutes certainly didn’h help the home side’s cause.
The second half started with Portsmouth applying pressure to the visitors and after about 45 minutes they were again on the score board thanks to a Gareth Davies penalty. 9 – 19
More pressure from Portsmouth soon bought more reward to them with another Gareth Davies penalty closing the gap to 12 – 19 with about 53 minutes on the clock. Then came a bit of just reward to Portsmouth when following a good kick from the home side’s fly half the ball was collected just in the Trojans half and eventually a good inside pass to second row Darren Crabb saw him sell a dummy and run in from around the 22 mt. line to score just wide of the posts. The try was converted by Gareth Davies and the scores were now level at 19 apiece, with about 10 minutes remaining. The Portsmouth forwards were now working well and were getting the upper hand. A penalty to Portsmouth from near the half way line saw the kick just fall tantalisingly short. This was Gareth Davies’ first miss of the afternoon. With about 6 minutes remaining Portsmouth were awarded another penalty which was converted by Davies giving Portsmouth a slender 22 – 19 lead. The home side then lost two players to yellow cards in quick succession as they fought desperately to hang on to their lead. However, Trojans with their full compliment were able to set up a move with their 3’s and they scored a try wide out which they couldn’t convert but gave them the lead 22 – 24 as the final whistle went much to the bitter disappointment of the Portsmouth players and spectators alike.
A very bitter pill indeed!
As a result of Saturday’s loss Portsmouth drop 1 place to 9th with 3 points. Next weeks opponents are Weybridge Vandals who lost to Old Georgians 16 – 14 putting them in 8th.place on points difference -2 against -6. Old Cranleighans top the table with a resounding victory over Old Emanual 12 – 45.