Portsmouth vs Gosport & Fareham, Counties, Hampshire 1, Saturday 17th December 2022,

Jim Dixon

Game Postponed due to pitch conditions

On a sunny but bitterly cold day Portmouth were due to play Gosport & Fareham today but with last weeks controversial ending to the match against Petersfield, together with the fact that when a pitch inspection took place around midday it was almost impossible to get a fork into the ground it was decided, following a conversation with Gosport’s head coach, regretably to call off the fixture. The 2nds game at Gosport was also called off. Fortunately the Club had arranged a Christmas lunch with around 50 guests and that still took place. Unfortunately 1 table of 10 that had booked, failed to turn up, but a very convivial afternoon was had by all who did attend. Today’s game will probably be played in March. We now have a bit of a Christmas shutdown apart from a interclub game to be held on Boxing Day. Our next League fixture will be away to Jersey on Saturday 7th. January 2023 with the next home game versus Eastleigh on Saturday 14th. January.

Can I wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a great New Year.

Jim Dixon.

MATCH REPORT – PORTSMOUTH 2nd xv Ventnor RFC – Saturday, 10th December

By captain Zac Eyley

On a very cold December afternoon Ventnor travelled over to Portsmouth for a frosty fixture.

Ventnor won the toss and elected to start at the clubhouse end of the pitch with Portsmouth choosing to recieve the kick.

The match started well with some hard carries and tackles in the midfield from Rusi, Zac and Tim forming a formidable pod running onto clean ball from the back of an exceptional lineout.

After a few phases Tim found himself in support of the backs and was put into space outside the opposition 22, the second row galloped in and scored before the full back could catch him.

Despite our linesman giving the conversion the referee sided with the opposition and called it short.

5:0

Unfortunately Ventnor came prepared with an excellent scrum and outclassed the Portsmouth pack driving us off the ball multiple times. Despite some tweaks and changes we were unable to challenge them and struggled to get clean ball.

After a couple of phases and penalties in the Ventnor half the backs put on a masterclass of handling and got the ball to George Taylor who ran around the outside of Ventnor’s last defender to score out wide.

Unfortunately too wide for the conversion to come off.

First half ended 10:3

The second half restart gave Portsmouth a chance to put Ventnor under immediate pressure in the second half, with Ventnor kicking the ball to our back three giving last minute swap Josh a chance to run right bacl at them, drawing in defenders and creating huge gaps in their defence.

The penalty count from both team was high throughout the game, and unfortunately after some unseen old school rucking and fisty cuffs, Ventnor 13 punched our scrumhalf and some scrappy afters led to yellow cards for both of them.

Shortly after a penalty was awarded to Portsmouth inside the Ventnor half, Fly Half Tommy Hare spotted a chaotic disorganised defence and took a quick tap and danced through the defenders to score our only try if the second half.

15:3

Ventnor clawed back an unconverted try, after a well organised rolling maul sucked in Portsmouth defenders leaving gaps for a hard runner to score.

15:8

With 8 minutes left on the clock Portsmouth were awarded a penalty in front of the sticks, with Tommy slotting the 3 points to put Portsmouth 2 scores ahead.

18:8

Despite an attempt from a driving maul and some close range attempts Portsmouth defened their lines well to the end.

Result 18:8 for the first home win this season.

This result marks a huge improvement in defence and specifically the line speed, spearheaded by Scott Weatherhead who put in a brilliant shift.

Motm awarded to Tommy Hare for his vision in loose play and game management in the second half to close the game out. Unfortunately he was conveniently driving so the post game award went to Scott Weatherhead, once again bailing his fly half out by putting his body on the line.

The team objective is to win every home game this half of the season, so far so good, I’m a happy captain this week!

Roll on Gosport and Fareham 2s away next week, we cannot wait to get our revenge for the reverse fixture earlier in the year.

Petersfield vs Portsmouth

Counties Hampshire 1, Saturday 10th December 2020

Match report by Jim Dixon

Petersfield 22 – 19 Portsmouth

There were some who were questioning the decision to play this match under floodlights with a 3.00p.m. start bearing in mind the very cold weather conditions.It was generally thought that a 2.00 p.m. start would have been better. And so it was proved although not in the way we expected.

The game started, on a very cold,sunny but almost windless day. Portsmouth were soon on the attack and kept Petersfield in their half for a period. Taking a ball against the head at scrum time Portsmouth set up another attack and a series of penalties against the home side saw Portsmouth with a lineout 5 metres from the try line. However they managed to loose the ball, enabling Petersfield to kick their way out of trouble. From a lineout they won the ball and as it bounced loose it was well picked up by Bryn Rainford who made 20 or so metres before offloading to the supporting Tom Sanderson who carried on to score. Morgans’ kick as successful and Portsmouth led 0 – 7 with about 15 minutes on the clock. Petersfield then took the game to their opponents and eventually from a 5 metre lineout they managed to set up a drive to the line for their first try. This was converted so the score was 7 – 7 about 20 minutes into the match. Portsmouth had a couple of opportunities to re-take the lead through a penalty kick and a dropped goal but both unfortunately missed. However that didn’t stop the visitors from setting up a series of attacks and eventually Morgan forced his way through to score close to the touch line. His conversion was successful and they now led 7 – 14. Shortly after this a Petersfield penalty kick hit the post and was caught on the re-bound by Max Clarke.and he drove to take the ball upfield. Eventually Petersfield got their hands back on the ball and scored out wide. The conversion took the scores back level again at 14 apiece. The half time whistle went shortly after.

With the temperature falling Portsmouth got the second half underway. After a while Portsmouth managed to set up a driving maul out wide and they scored their 3rd.try through Ryan Moore. Morgan as unable to add the extras but they re-took the lead 14 – 19. Portsmouth took the re-start with a penalty as Petersfield were penalised for arguing with the referee over the last score. However it was the home side who scored next from a catch and drive which with a missed conversion took the score to 19 a-piece. Portsmouth hit back and from a good handling move saw them close on the try line only for the final pass to be judged forward. Portsmouth then had another chance to re-take the lead when they were awarded a penalty about 6 metres inside the half way line. This time Morgan was unable to convert so the score stayed even. The Petersfield No.12 who was undoubtedly the difference between the 2 sides showed his class when he took the ball close to his own try line and cut through the defence until he was stopped on the Portsmouth 22. Petersfield were then awarded a penalty in front of the posts which was converted to give them the lead 22 – 19. Bradley Jewer then set up an amazing run taking the ball deep into the home sides’s territory until he was stopped about 5 metres from the try line. Petersfield then took the ball back into the Portsmouth half but were penalised giving Portsmouth a scrum. This is where it all got a bit confusing as the spectators saw the ref talking to both captains and we assumed that he was discussing the playing conditions with a view to abandoning the game on 61 minutes. However it soon transpired that that was not the case as it was the Petersfield captain who was saying it was too dangerous to play on. Both the Portsmouth captain,Max Clarke, and the referee wanted to continue but the home side refused to do so therefore the referee had no real option other than to stop the game. As 61 minutes had lapsed the result would stand. It was noted that the decision by Petersfield had been taken just after they had taken the lead for the first time. A far from satisfactory end to the match.

This result sees Portsmouth remain in 6th.place but now on 29 points. Petersfield move up to 8th.on 22 points. Jersey remain top with a home walk over against Basingstoke There were only 2 games played in our league on Saturday.

Next week sees Portsmouth back at Rugby Camp against Gosport and Fareham. 2.00 p.m.kick off.

TEAM: RHYS BOWEN, BRAD ATKINS, RYAN MOORE

BRYN RAINFORD, SAM FOSTER,

MAX CLARKE(C), OLLY BOWLES, OLLIE SIMPSON.

TOM SANDERSON, GARETH DAVIES.

DUNCAN STEED, SIMON MORGAN, DAN GATES, BRAD JEWER,

JASHAN SOLANKI.

BENCH: TOM SMITH, CAM MCGUIGHAN, LEE CHANDLER.

Portsmouth 2nd XV 13 – 34 Havant 3rd XV

Portsmouth vs Trojans, Counties Hampshire 1, Saturday 3rd December 2022

Match Report by Jim Dixon

Portsmouth 13 – 12 Trojans

Portsmouth’s day started with a Celebration Lunch with 100 guests in honour of former player and Head Coach Roy Harris on the occasion of his 90th birthday. The guests were made up of Club Members and Roy’s family. Roy came from Cornwall in the 60’s to take up a temporary job with Radio Rentals for 3 weeks and he has been here ever since!

There was a more sombre moment when President Nigel Morgan spoke of Vets player and Junior Coach, John Warbrick who after coaching his age group on Sunday morning, went home and tragically collapsed and passed away. He was only 42 years old. Before today’s game started Portsmouth Vets and their opponents Portsmouth University, together with members of the Junior Club and Portsmouth and Trojans 1st XV’s lined up to give a minutes applause in John’s memory.

If Portsmouth’s last encounter with Trojans in September was anything to go by, (a 10 – 11 win to Portsmouth) then this was going to be of a similar nature and so it proved to be.

Portsmouth got proceedings underway with just 1 change to the selected side. Anthony Fooks had to withdraw from the team as a cut on his shin had not healed, so his place was taken by Greg Hoolihan.

After the usual exchanges in the opening minutes Portsmouth gained a lineout close to the Trojans 22. However they managed to loose the ball and were penalised for tackling a player without the ball. Then followed a rather bizarre moment when one minute a Portsmouth player had the ball and the next when Trojans ripped the ball out and ran from just inside the 22 to score almost unapposed. The conversion was successful and they led 0 – 7 with about 5 minutes on the clock. More exchanges between the teams continued as both tried to gain territory. Portsmouth then lost flyhalf Lee Chandler to a shoulder injury. He was replaced by Jordan Hunter, making a welcome return to Portsmouth after a period with Petersfield. Hunter went into the centre with Morgan moving to No.10. Portsmouth were then able to string a move together with a good run by Hunter and they found themselves in the Trojans 22 for the first time in the match with about 30 minutes gone. From a good lineout Portsmouth set up a catch and drive about 12 metres out and crossed for their first try scored by Greg Hoolihan, Morgan was on target with the conversion and the scores were now level at 7 a-piece. Shortly after Portsmouth made a change in the front row with Khatib coming off to be replaced by Rhys Bowen. Portsmouth were able to set up good attacking moves but were often spoiled by either loosing possession or knocking the ball on. The half time whistle went with the scores still level at 7 all.

The second half started and Portsmouth now had the cold easterly wind at their backs. Portsmouth made a change at half time with Hoolihan coming off to be replaced by Olly Bowles. Portsmouth were having to defend well to keep Trojans at bay which they managed fairly well. However from a lineout which Trojans took quickly they managed to break the deadlock with a try wide out. The conversion missed and Trojans now led 7 – 12. A good attack by Portsmouth came to nothing when the final pass failed to find the receiver. Portsmouth then made a couple of changes with hooker Brad Atkins coming of to be replaced by Hoolihan and khatib coming back on to replace Rhys Bowen who had taken a knock to his thigh. After some Portsmouth pressure they did manage to cross the line but were deemed to have been held up. A yellow card to Trojans saw Portsmouth awarded a penalty which Morgan converted taking the score to 10 – 11 with about 14 minutes left. Portsmouth were taking advantage of Trojans being down to 14 but just couldn’t turn it into points, One such moment came when Portsmouth won good ball and with nothing much on Morgan attempted a drop goal but his kick went wide. With penalties being awarded to both sides it was Portsmouth who were awarded a kick right on half way and to the left of the posts. Morgan took a good look and said it was worthing going for. He lined up his kick and it Went between the uprights but only 1 touch judge put up his flag. Everyone was now looking to the referee for his decision and without any hesitation put his arm up to signal the conversion and the final whistle went with another narrow victory to Portsmouth 13 – 12 much to the jubilation of Portsmouth players and spectators. After the match a photo of the ball going over the cross bar proved the decision to be correct.

If Portsmouth could cut out the penalties and keep hold of the ball at crucial times they could have secured a more convincing win. This win sees them move back to 6th. in the league table on 28 points. Jersey still remain top and unbeaten after victory over Havant 2’s 8 – 40. Next weeks opponents are Petersfield who beat Basingstoke 18 – 20. They are in 10th.position on 18 points.

TEAM: YEHIA KHATIB, BRAD ATKINS, RYAN MOORE.

BRYN RAINFORD, SAM FOSTER.

MAX CLARKE(C). GREG HOOLIHAN, OLLIE SIMPSON.

TOM SANDERSON, LEE CHANDLER.

SAM OLIE, SIMON MORGAN, DAN GATES, DUNCAN STEED.

JASHAN SOLANKI.

BENCH: RHYS BOWEN, OLLY BOWLES, JORDAN HUNTER.

Portsmouth vs Trojans, Counties Hampshire 1, Saturday 3rd December 2022

Match Report by Jim Dixon

Portsmouth 13 – 12 Trojans

Portsmouth’s day started with a Celebration Lunch with 100 guests in honour of former player and Head Coach Roy Harris on the occasion of his 90th birthday. The guests were made up of Club Members and Roy’s family. Roy came from Cornwall in the 60’s to take up a temporary job with Radio Rentals for 3 weeks and he has been here ever since!

There was a more sombre moment when President Nigel Morgan spoke of Vets player and Junior Coach, John Warbrick who after coaching his age group on Sunday morning, went home and tragically collapsed and passed away. He was only 42 years old. Before today’s game started Portsmouth Vets and their opponents Portsmouth University, together with members of the Junior Club and Portsmouth and Trojans 1st XV’s lined up to give a minutes applause in John’s memory.

If Portsmouth’s last encounter with Trojans in September was anything to go by, (a 10 – 11 win to Portsmouth) then this was going to be of a similar nature and so it proved to be.

Portsmouth got proceedings underway with just 1 change to the selected side. Anthony Fooks had to withdraw from the team as a cut on his shin had not healed, so his place was taken by Greg Hoolihan.

After the usual exchanges in the opening minutes Portsmouth gained a lineout close to the Trojans 22. However they managed to loose the ball and were penalised for tackling a player without the ball. Then followed a rather bizarre moment when one minute a Portsmouth player had the ball and the next when Trojans ripped the ball out and ran from just inside the 22 to score almost unapposed. The conversion was successful and they led 0 – 7 with about 5 minutes on the clock. More exchanges between the teams continued as both tried to gain territory. Portsmouth then lost flyhalf Lee Chandler to a shoulder injury. He was replaced by Jordan Hunter, making a welcome return to Portsmouth after a period with Petersfield. Hunter went into the centre with Morgan moving to No.10. Portsmouth were then able to string a move together with a good run by Hunter and they found themselves in the Trojans 22 for the first time in the match with about 30 minutes gone. From a good lineout Portsmouth set up a catch and drive about 12 metres out and crossed for their first try scored by Greg Hoolihan, Morgan was on target with the conversion and the scores were now level at 7 a-piece. Shortly after Portsmouth made a change in the front row with Khatib coming off to be replaced by Rhys Bowen. Portsmouth were able to set up good attacking moves but were often spoiled by either loosing possession or knocking the ball on. The half time whistle went with the scores still level at 7 all.

The second half started and Portsmouth now had the cold easterly wind at their backs. Portsmouth made a change at half time with Hoolihan coming off to be replaced by Olly Bowles. Portsmouth were having to defend well to keep Trojans at bay which they managed fairly well. However from a lineout which Trojans took quickly they managed to break the deadlock with a try wide out. The conversion missed and Trojans now led 7 – 12. A good attack by Portsmouth came to nothing when the final pass failed to find the receiver. Portsmouth then made a couple of changes with hooker Brad Atkins coming of to be replaced by Hoolihan and khatib coming back on to replace Rhys Bowen who had taken a knock to his thigh. After some Portsmouth pressure they did manage to cross the line but were deemed to have been held up. A yellow card to Trojans saw Portsmouth awarded a penalty which Morgan converted taking the score to 10 – 11 with about 14 minutes left. Portsmouth were taking advantage of Trojans being down to 14 but just couldn’t turn it into points, One such moment came when Portsmouth won good ball and with nothing much on Morgan attempted a drop goal but his kick went wide. With penalties being awarded to both sides it was Portsmouth who were awarded a kick right on half way and to the left of the posts. Morgan took a good look and said it was worthing going for. He lined up his kick and it Went between the uprights but only 1 touch judge put up his flag. Everyone was now looking to the referee for his decision and without any hesitation put his arm up to signal the conversion and the final whistle went with another narrow victory to Portsmouth 13 – 12 much to the jubilation of Portsmouth players and spectators. After the match a photo of the ball going over the cross bar proved the decision to be correct.

If Portsmouth could cut out the penalties and keep hold of the ball at crucial times they could have secured a more convincing win. This win sees them move back to 6th. in the league table on 28 points. Jersey still remain top and unbeaten after victory over Havant 2’s 8 – 40. Next weeks opponents are Petersfield who beat Basingstoke 18 – 20. They are in 10th.position on 18 points.

TEAM: YEHIA KHATIB, BRAD ATKINS, RYAN MOORE.

BRYN RAINFORD, SAM FOSTER.

MAX CLARKE(C). GREG HOOLIHAN, OLLIE SIMPSON.

TOM SANDERSON, LEE CHANDLER.

SAM OLIE, SIMON MORGAN, DAN GATES, DUNCAN STEED.

JASHAN SOLANKI.

BENCH: RHYS BOWEN, OLLY BOWLES, JORDAN HUNTER.

Portsmouth vs Alton, Counties Hampshire 1, Sat 26th Nov 2023

PRFC 15 – 19 Alton

Match Report by Jim Dixon

Portsmouth welcomed Alton 1st XV to Camp for the first time for a few years. With a rather cold stiff breeze blowing the day started with prop Rhys Bowen attaining his 100th.game for Portsmouth 1st.XV. His original position was No.8 but he decided a couple of seasons ago to have a go at loose head prop in an effort to prolong his rugby life! A presentation was made to him by Club President Nigel Morgan in the Clubhouse following the game. Current No.8 Ollie Simpson has reached 20 1st XV games and was also included in the presentation.

Portsmouth playing into the stiff breeze, started the match and the game see-sawed between the 22’s for a while. Alton were beginning to put some good moves together and eventually they managed to score out wide with the conversion missing. The score was 0 – 5 after about 12 minutes. Shortly after this Portsmouth lost wing forward Elliott Worrall with an injury to his wrist. His place was taken by Sam Foster. Only some good defensive work from Portsmouth kept Alton at bay but a yellow card for Simon Morgan certainly didn’t help their cause. Alton then managed to create an overlap and scored under the posts. the conversion was successful and they now led 0 – 12 on about 25 minutes. Certainly the Alton play wasn’t reflecting their league position but it transpired that they had several players returning who hadn’t been available at the start of the season. It was then Alton’s turn to loose a player to a yellow card and Portsmouth certainly made the most of it following a 5 metre line out. They set up a catch and drive which was finished off by No.8 Ollie Simpson touching down out wide. Gareth Davies was on target with a tricky kick and the score was now 7 – 12. Portsmouth then had to make another change when Lee Chandler had to leave the field due to feeling unwell. His place was taken by Connor Charlton who went to the wing with Dan Gates moving from there to the centre. Alton were then aided by a lucky bounce of the ball which was kicked towards the Portsmouth try line but bounced away from a defender and into the arms of an Alton player who touched down under the posts. The conversion was good and gap was now 7 – 19. The half time whistle went shortly after.

Alton got the second half underway and shortly after Portsmouth set up a very good handling move following a kick ahead by Davies. Portsmouth spun the ball wide and the move was eventually finished off by Sam Foster. with the kick just missing. The score was now 12 – 19. Ollie Simpson came off shortly after to be replaced at No.8 by Aaron Beesley. Duncan Steed then set up a good attack, showing plenty of pace but a desperate tackle took him into touch. Portsmouth kept up the pressure and were awarded a penalty which Simon Morgan was able to convert taking the score to 15 – 19. Portsmouth kept up the pressure but just couldn’t get through the Alton defence with again Duncan Steed showing good speed. Another promising Portsmouth move came to nothing when they were penalised for not releasing the ball after the tackle. Yet another opportunity was lost when the ball got knocked on by Portsmouth and the final whistle went with a win for the visitors 15 – 19. Portsmouth did manage a losing bonus point. This loss sees Portsmouth slip down 1 place to 7th. on 24 points with Alton still in bottom position on 12 points.

Next week sees Portsmouth at home again against Trojans who lost to Bournemouth 2nds. 18 – 10 Trojans are in 8th. place on 19 points. Jersey remain top and undefeated after bearing Eastleigh 66 – 7. Portsmouth still have the dubious honour of scoring the most points against them in their 21 – 57 loss.

Don’t forget that next weeks matches will start at 2.00 p.m.

Fareham Heathens RFC vs Portsmouth RFC 2nd XV

Captain Zac Eyley reports:

‘The 2s travelled the short journey to Fareham Heathens this week, marking the halfway point in the league. With no win so far this season a lot of pressure was on to make this a game to remember, and boy was it! An excellent display of physical dominance and set piece execution from the pack set a brilliant platform for the backs to run off of.

It did not take long to get across the whitewash, and it didn’t stop all game with Brad Jewer, Will Dalziel and Scott Weatherhead all getting a try each. But the dream combination of a Tommy Hare cross field kick and Sam Olie’s sexy footwork was the highlight of the day with three cracking tries for Sam. The forwards had their say too with a Matt Hoban special smashing through most of the home team and Ian Skinner fell over the line at the back of a rampaging maul. Two conversions from TH10 were the only points from the boot today, but as always, the magic man at 10 set the pace of attack and used his liquid rugby to unleash his team mates superbly.

Joby Walsh was denied a try from close range as Carl Darnley was penalised for pushing one of the Heathens defenders over off the ball. Portsmouth needs to improve the penalty count as Will Dalziel picked up a yellow for not rolling away at the base of the ruck following a number of team infringements at the breakdown. Matt Hoban also took a 10-minute time out for a high tackle. Man of the Match was awarded to Scott Weatherhead for scoring on his return after a long spell out through injury. DOTD went to Jas Solanki who turned up at the Heathen’s club house for a social after receiving DOTD for his 1st team performance. Fareham also made him DOTD for the same reasons.

Portsmouth 2s travel away to Guernsey next week hoping to keep the gravy train going (calm down Ticker it’s not a real train!)’

Fareham Heathens vs Portsmouth 2nd Xv, Saturday 26th November 2022, Counties 3 Hampshire

Fareham Heathens 12 – 44 Portsmouth 2nd Xv

Match Report by Zac Eyley

Captain Zac Eyley reports:

Portsmouth 2s travel away to Guernsey next week hoping to keep the gravy train going (calm down Ticker it’s not a real train!)’

Havant 2nds vs Portsmouth, County League Hampshire 1, Friday 11th November 2022

Match Report by Jim Dixon

Portsmouth had a request from Havant 2’s to play their scheduled match for Saturday, on Friday evening under floodlights. The coaches put the question to the players and they readily agreed. The last time we played under floodlights was a few seasons ago at Burnaby Road against U.S Portsmouth in a Cup match which we won. The atmosphere that night was really good with a decent crowd present. There was hope for a similar occasion. There was just 1 change from the original selection with loose head prop Khatib, crying off having been knocked off his bike. Shaken up but not hurt. His place as taken by Rhys Bowen who as originally on the bench. He in turn was replaced by Greg Hoolihan.

Portsmouth got the game underway and Havant kicked back which saw Portsmouth run the ball back. Eventually the ball went into touch giving Havant a line out. Portsmouth managed to steal the ball and Morgan kicked the ball into touch near the half way line.. Again Portsmouth managed to steal the ball and a kick found touch close to the Havant 22. With yet another line out steal the ball found its way to full back Solanki who set off on a good run which eventually saw him tackled into touch. The ensuing line out was again stolen by Portsmouth. Havant managed to get their hands on the ball and set up an attack deep into the Portsmouth half. Desperate defensive work by Portsmouth kept them out for a while but eventually pressure told and they scored close to the posts. The try was converted and they led 7 – 0. Portsmouth were by now getting used to the pace of the artificial pitch and with ideal running conditions and hardly any breeze they began to set up some good handling in the backs. From one such move a try should have been scored but the final pass failed to find its target and went into touch. Portsmouth kept Havant in their 22 for a period helped by a string of penalties. Another good scoring chance went begging when the final pass should have resulted in a score but again the final pass failed to find its target. Havant soon hit back and with a good 3’s movement they managed to stretch the Portsmouth defence to score near to the touch line. The conversion missed and they now led 12 – 0. Another good Portsmouth attack came to nothing with a knock on and the half time whistle went..

The second half started with Dan Gates coming on to replace Howell-Williams on the wing. Portsmouth got onto the score board when Havant were penalised for handling on the ground and Morgan converted his kick taking the score to 12 – 3. Shortly after that Portsmouth won another kickable penalty and Morgan was again on target with his kick, taking the score to 12 -6. Havant where soon back on the attack and only some good defensive work by Portsmouth followed by a good turn over enabled them to kick the ball into touch thus relieving the pressure. Following a period of pressure from Havant they managed a good long kick down field which was chased by a Havant player with Portsmouth in hot pursuit. As the ball bounced into the ingoal area the Portsmouth player then pushed the Havant player off the ball resulting in the Ref. awarding a penalty try and a yellow card to the Portsmouth player. This took the score to 19 – 6. Shortly after that a 5 metre scrum to Havant saw them drive over the try line for another score this time unconverted but taking the score to 24 – 6. Havant then managed another score from a good 3’s move which saw them create and overlap and the scored out wide. The conversion missed and the now led 29 – 6. A kick from Havant was caught by Solanki who ran the ball back from deep in his half with a weaving run into the Havant 22. Havant were then penalised for slapping the ball down from a pass by Portsmouth. A kick to touch from the resultant penalty saw Portsmouth spin the ball wide and eventually Sam Foster crossed for their first try. Morgan converted and the score was now 29 – 13. Portsmouth then seemed to up their game and a massive drive from the pack saw them drive Havant back many metres. Despite their efforts they could not add to their score line and the final whistle went with an victory to Havant 29 – 13.

Unfortunately Portsmouth where architects of their own downfall because they were unable to keep hold of the ball in 3 or 4 scoring opportunities. Whilst it took them 10 to 15 minutes to adjust to the pace of the game on an artificial pitch, once they had then the backs showed some good handling and running with the ball. Overall it was an exciting game with the match flowing end to end. The atmosphere was great as was the crowd with both sets of supporters making a lot of noise. It was all helped no doubt by a very still, dry night allowing some very good rugby being played by both teams.

This result sees \Havant move up to 4th in the League table on 36 points with Portsmouth staying in 6th. place on 23 points. On Saturday leaders Jersey beat Gosport and Fareham 75 – 5. to retain top spot. Eastleigh move up to second with an 87 – 10 win over Petersfield.

There are no games next week so Portsmouth’s next fixture is on Saturday 26th, November at home to Alton. They beat Bournemouth 2’s 17 – 12. on Saturday.