Weekend Review 14th/15th October 2023
By Simon Newsham It was a tough weekend for the senior men, the firsts went down 18-13 at Andover bringing an end to their excellent winning start to the season (see Jim Dixon’s match report). At Rugby Camp the Casuals suffered the agony of a last minute defeat to Andover 2s going down 21-27 whilst the Third XV also at home lost narrowly by eight points to twelve against Fareham Heathens. No fixtures for the Valkyries last weekend but this Sunday league leaders the first xv are away at Chipping Sodbury in NC1 South West E. Meanwhile the seconds will host Trojans Ladies at Rugby Camp. Some of the Mini section went to Alton for a coaching session, massive thanks to Alton for hosting us on a glorious sunny morning. I only have two reports from the juniors and that was the U13s who went away to Eastleigh and despite…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 apologies2. Minutes of AGM July 2022.3. Chairman’s Report4. Financial Report and Appointment of Independent Examiners 5. 1st team Captain’s address 6. Player’s Rep. Address7. 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…
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…
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.