Weekend Review 7th/8th October 2023
By Simon Newham
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.
Weekend review 30th Sept/1st Oct
By Simon Newsham
On Saturday the First XV had a cracking 14 – 42 win at Alton, see Jim Dixons report on the news page.
The Casuals entertained the Isle of Wight narrowly losing 27-32 with the final play of the match. Tries from Aaron Beasley, Ali Macdonald, Scott Weatherhead and Ryan Bosher.
On Sunday The Valkyies were in RFU Intermediate Cup action against Hove who play in Womens Champion SE division two. This is a couple of steps higher up than our ladies. So you can imagine the delight of the Valks coming out on top 31-24 in really close match. A brace of tries from wing Katie Wadeson, one each from Georgie Harris, Meg Jones and a first ever try for second row Amy Hanks was a highlight for the supporters. Two Conversions by Nancy Lismore and one from Chloe Stopard put the girls in the hat for the next round.
The Colts enjoyed a 33-22 win over Petersfield in a spirited encounter at Rugby Camp, they were in command for the majority of the game, I don’t have any scorers but well played to the lads.
In the junior section the U12’s made the short trip to Gosport and Fareham for a tournament. Blighted with absentees they had a tough day at the office losing all 4 pool games and unfortunately had to withdraw at the knock-out stage as the injuries mounted. The coach adds “There’s lots to work on at training on Wednesday and we will build from here”.
The U13’s hosted Tottonians on Sunday morning ending up five points each in a hard fought match, Joshua Daniells impressed for the hosts as did Brayden Dewane, the coveted Donut of The Day was Jack Stoneman.
In the afternoon the U14s also hosted Totts in their first home game of the season and a solid 66-5 victory in a hotly-contested match gave them their second win in a row. Amongst numerous try-scorers, player of the match Rory helped himself to four tries with the score being underlined by the excellent conversion kicking from Lenny.
The U16s travelled to Basingstoke looking to make it two wins from two. Kick off was delayed to allow them to have a proper warm up after arriving late due to a motorway incident. The lads started well but conceded early points, however they stuck to their game plan and ran out 34-36 winners with two tries from Dylan Barnes (on his birthday) and one each for Sam Shepherd, Blake Kerley, Joe Cobby and Josh Witt, Pompeys player of the match was Charlie Bradrick. The win puts them in second place behind Tadley on points difference.
Next Saturday the 1sts host Eastleigh, there will be a pre-match lunch, if you’re thinking of coming along please contact Graham Medland or text on 07952 994352
Weekend Update 24th-25th September 2023
By Simon Newsham
The first XV hosted Trojans on Saturday watched by a large crowd in the sunshine and ably supported by our U10s who acted as mascots for the day including a coaching session. A comfortable 57-13 victory was racked up with nine tries and nine different scorers. Each home league game will be preceded by a lunch and a different age group of juniors will be guard of honour for the first team.
In other games the Seconds went down 50 points to 16 at Fareham Heathens the Valkyries 2s were postponed when Poole couldn’t raise a side due to illness and injuries. However, the Valks firsts went to Bristol on Sunday to play Dings Crusaders and came away with a 29-29 draw after a last gasp penalty try courtesy of the hosts. The ladies fought back from 29-17 down, tries from Kat Burianova, Katie Wadeson and Nancy Lismore earning the Valkyries valuable points, they are third in NC1 South West (east).
In the junior section the under 13s played a friendly away to Bognor coming out winners by six tries to two. Player of the match was Vincent Thomas, the most improved player was Troy Lawton-Roberts and Donut of the day was Samuel Hunter. Great play Sam.
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.
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.
The U16s went to Romsey and came away with a 24-25 victory, tries from Sam Oldham, Joe Cobby and Blake Kerley plus two Conversions and two penalties by Reggie Dugan sealed their first win in their new division. A great result having been 24 – 13 down with ten minutes to go the boys dug in deep.
WALKING RUGBY AT PORTSMOUTH RFC
The next session will be on Wednesday, 30th August at 7pm at Rugby Camp.
Before you look to participate, please message John Vaughan on 07881 383 387 to confirm your attendance and then turn up suitably attired on the day.
WHAT IS IT?
Walking Rugby is one of England Rugby’s non-contact formats of the game. There is no tackling involved, instead a touch on the armpit or below are used. Played on a half pitch, participants must be walking at all times.
WHO CAN PLAY?
Walking Rugby can be played by everyone men and women; however, it is generally played by older players (55+). All skill levels can play together.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
A welcoming, laid back, social environment is the core experience of all Walking Rugby sessions. Players should arrive dressed for the playing conditions and introduce themselves to John and Paul when they arrive. Each session is unique so be sure check-in with John prior to joining.
PORTSMOUTH RFC – ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2023 – TUESDAY 4th JULY
Fellow members
Second Calling notice – Portsmouth Rugby Club – AGM 2023 – Tuesday 4th of July at 20:00
The meeting will begin at 8:00 on Tuesday 4th of July and members are requested to sign in by 7.45
The agenda is as below
Herewith the Agenda for the meeting.
1. Attendance and apologies
2. Minutes of AGM July 2022.
3. Chairman’s Report
4. Financial Report and Appointment of Independent Examiners
5. 1st team Captain’s address
6. Player’s Rep. Address
7. Election of Officers.
Nominations
President N. Morgan
Chairman J Whitehouse
Vice Chairmen S Cameron /M Caspall
Hon Treasurer M. Twells
DOR TBC
Hon Sec C Richardson
House Manager J Dixon / D Knight
Players representatives: TBC
Media & Development Simon Newsham
Junior Section Gemma Skinner
Women’s DOR Fred French
Social Secretary Ollie Simpson
Membership Secretary R Tyrrell
6. Captains – to be announced
7. Questions and answer session
8. AOB – NOTICE from Pete Smout – This month’s 100 club will be £500
Many thanks Roger Highgate
100-Club
The winners of the June draw were: Mark Witcher – £50 and Jacqui Bailey – £30.
To sign up and be included in the draw for July and have a chance of winning the £50 first prize or £30 second prize, contact Pete Smout on 07760 400 690 or email petesmout@hotmail.com for more information.
The cost is £3 per month or an annual one-off payment of £36.
TOUCH-JUDGES REQUIRED FOR SEASON 2023/2024
For many years now, retired PRFC Vets have been running the line for all 1st XV’s matches, home and away. These ageing dinosaurs require some fresh young blood to come in and supplement their numbers and if you are a former player and would like to give something back to the club, please volunteer to join our merry band from next season.
At the moment, touch-judges attend three matches each a season but obviously, with more numbers, this could reduce to one or two Saturdays.
If you can spare a couple of Saturdays from September to March, please contact John Vaughan on 07881 383 387.
Reflections on season 2022/2023 by Matt Wake – Head Coach
As I sit and reflect on the last season of rugby at the camp I’m reminded why I coach .
It’s the people, always the people. I’ve met tremendous people at Portsmouth and have been and continue to feel enormously welcomed. I’m still in awe of the number of volunteers that all do something, either large or small so that 15 blokes (and ladies) can chase an egg shaped bag of wind round a muddy field in the freezing cold.
I’m pleased to have been able to support the development of the players with a number of colts and senior players receiving county call ups this year.
The business end for me is training the team and performances on Saturdays. We’ve been buoyed by some great numbers and engagement at training and some top end performances in home victories against Basingstoke, petersfield and Eastleigh – but if I could bottle one performance it would be away at havant. What performance from the players and a great occasion to be involved in.
Coaches and managers have been planning for next season for some time with priority always to be retaining the playing squad from last year and integrating the colts int to the adult set up. We are seeking to add to the squad but only in positions where we either lack depth or can significantly improve.
Pre season is fast approaching and I’d just like to remind all the players that gym time isn’t mandatory …. But neither is game time. 
Matt
HAMPSHIRE RECOGNITION FOR u17’s PLAYERS
Congratulations to Portsmouth RFC players, Edward Frazer and Henrie Thorne (No’s 4 & 1 shirts), who made their debuts for Hampshire under 17’s away at Surrey on 14th May. Despite losing 26-24, the new-look Hampshire squad were playing together for the first time and could have won the match!
Also represented, was Will Balch (No 14 shirt), son of one of PRFC’s main sponsors and former player, Mick Balch of L&S Waste, who was representing Ryde School on the Isle of Wight.
Well done also to PRFC under 15’s player Teddy Skinner who once again represented London Irish under 15’s in their match against Bristol Bears on the 14th.
RICKY LIDBETTER – PRESENTATION
After sixteen seasons, Ricky Lidbetter has decided to step down from his role as club physiotherapist to devote his time and efforts to his growing commercial practice and young family. During his tenure, Ricky looked after the senior men’s 1st XV but also provided cover for all our senior teams. He will be missed!
Earlier this month, club president, Nigel Morgan, presented Ricky with a glass tankard as a token of our gratitude for all his hard work and time over the years.