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.
1st TEAM PITCH – SUMMER MAINTENANCE
The 1st XV pitch is out of action until further notice while Portsmouth Council undertake routine maintenance. Please do not cross the pitch but go around it instead.
If there is training or matches, no players are to use this pitch, either to play on or to get to another pitch.
The club is paying for this work and we don’t want to waste our money!!
Carol Moulding – RIP
It is with great sadness that Portsmouth Rugby Club inform you of the death of Carol Moulding, wife of Derek Moulding who played for us in the 70’s and early 80’s, who died this morning after a long illnes
End of season awards 2022-2023
Photos Courtesy of Hannah Smith
Basingstoke vs Portsmouth, Saturday 11th March 2023, Counties Hampshire 1 League
Basingstoke 41- 43 Portsmouth
Match report by Jim Dixon
Firstly I must apologise for my error in last weeks’ match report on the Alton fixture. I mistakenly reported that Tim Rollett had been taken to Hospital with a suspected broken ankle where-as it was actually Josh Howell-Williams and it has since been reported that he has sustained ligament damage and not a broken ankle. My apologies to all concerned
Today’s game is the penultimate fixture of the season for League matches with the delayed fixture against Gosport & Fareham to be played at Rugby Camp next Saturday with a 3.00.p.m.K.O. This will be followed by the new Cup Competition, start date and fixtures to be announced.
This was a rather unusual game with the lead changing 12 times throughout the match, Lots of penalties for both sides made it a rather disjointed match but it was, never the less exciting despite everything. Basingstoke always seem to raise their game when we meet at their ground and certainly their very large Fijian Army centre and their Number 8, caused Portsmouth plenty of problems as did former Basingstoke 1st XV and County player Simon Appleby until he was firstly yellow carded and then, towards the end of the match, red carded for a high tackle.
Basingstoke opened the scoring with a try from their Fijian Army centre giving them a 5 -0 lead. A penalty against ‘Stoke gave Portsmouth their first opportunity for a score but good defence kept them out but eventually the ball was spun wide and the final pass was taken by Tim Rollett Who scored out wide. The conversion missed and the scores were level at 5 apiece. From a good turn over by Portsmouth the ball was spun wide and it was left to Sam Olie to race away from the defenders to score their 2nd.try and with Morgan’s conversion on- target they took the lead 5- 12. Basingstoke were soon back with a converted try to bring the scores level again at 12-12. From a lineout ‘Stoke took clean ball and scored their 3rd.try close to the posts giving them back the lead at 19-12.. They were then able to increase that lead with their 4th.try,unconverted, to 24-12. Following a period of pressure from Portsmouth their efforts were finally rewarded with an unconverted try scored by Simon Morgan closing the gap to 24-17.
The second half started with both sides trying to get the upper hand but it was ‘Stoke who scored first when they broke through the middle to score under the posts. With the conversion true they extended their lead to 31-17. That was their 4th. bonus point try. After a series of penalties against ‘Stoike, Portsmouth were able to work their way upfield and eventually Sam Olie crossed for his second and Portsmouth’s 4th.bonus point try. \The conversion missed and the score now stood at 31-22. ‘Stoke soon hit back with a score of their own thus extending their lead to 36-22 as the conversion missed. Basingstoke were then reduced to 14 when their No.7 was yellow carded. Shortly after this Portsmouth scored yet again through Greg Hoolihan and with the conversion good the score as now 36-29. Portsmouth then set up a good handling move with the ball going across the field and back again with Morgan taking the final pass to score close to the posts. Gareth Davies took over the kicking duties and with his conversion the score was now 36-36. From the re-start Portsmouth caught the ball deep in their 22 but the clearance kick was charged down by ‘Stoke who were up very quickly and they managed to gather and score an unconverted try thus regaining the lead 41-36. Portsmouth were not done yet and from a penalty that gave them a lineout close to the ‘Stoke try line they set up a clean catch and drive which saw Ollie Simpson crash over. Davies was again on target and they now held a slender lead 41-43 with only a few minutes left. A penalty against ‘Stoke saw their No.7 red carded for a high tackle. From that penalty Portsmouth kicked for touch and from that lineout they won good ball which was delivered to Tom Sanderson who kicked into touch and the ref’s final whistle went with a hard fought victory to Portsmouth by 41-43. ‘Basingstoke’s performance in this game certainly deceived their basement position in the league although they always seem to be able to raise their game when we play at their ground. Their big Fijian centre and the No.8 caused plenty of problems for Portsmouth as did their No.7 Simon Appleby before he was carded. Also Portsmouth’s first up tackling was way off today giving ‘Stoke the opportunity to get deep into the Portsmouth half. It was however pleasing to get the third consecutive bonus point win. And they did show character to come back from a 31-17 deficit to close out a narrow win. This was a rather strange match with a total of 84 points scored and penalties aplenty given out which rather disrupted the flow of the game. Tommy Hare showed glimpses of his pace at full back and Tom Sanderson had yet another impressive game at scrum half. but the whole squad did so well in the fight back in the last 20 minutes.. Special mention must also be made of Prop Ian French who yet again stepped into the breech with some regulars being unavailable He again played the full 80 minutes and that is no mean feat as he is into his forties. This is about the 3rd.or 4th time this season he has been called upon, so well done Frenchy!
Next week sees the final League match of the season with the re-arranged fixture against Gosport & Fareham. They are just 1 place above Portsmouth in the League on 54 points. They drew against Bournemouth 2’s 14- 14. Portsmouth’s victory sees them stay in 7th.place on 44 points. Trojans are 8th.on 39 points having beaten Alton 5-77. Elsewhere Jersey beat Winchester 23-13 so remain top and undefeated. Winchester are 2nd. with Havant 2’s in third place..
Next weeks kick-off is 2:30 p.m.
TEAM: IAN FRENCH, BRAD ATKINS, FINN PARRY.
MAX CLARKE(C) RYAN BOSHER.
OLLIE SIMPSON, GREG HOOLIHAN AARON BEESLEY,
TOM SANDERSON, GARETH DAVIES.
SAM OLIE, LEE CHANDLER, SIMON MORGAN, TIM ROLLETT.
TOMMY HARE.
BENCH: JOBY WALSH, BEN GORDON.
Alton vs Portsmouth, Saturday 4th March 2023, Counties 1 Hampshire
Match report by Jim Dixon
Alton 21 – 24 Portsmouth
With two last minute late changes to the original selection, Aaron Beesley and Greg Jansen, Portsmouth moved Ollie Simpson from No.6 to No.8 and Lee Chandler came on to the bench in place of Jansen. Max Clarke was moved from the second row to No.6 and Bryn Rainford moved off the bench to No.5. Ben Gordon came onto the bench.
Portsmouth were hoping to carry on from last week’s success but the game never really sparked into life. Whether it was the sloping pitch or some other factor was not clear but this proved to be a rather fractious affair throughout the game. Alton got the match underway and a Portsmouth knock-on gave Alton a penalty kick resulting in a 5 metre line-out. A catch and drive by Alton was thwarted by Portsmouth as they defended well. Alton kept the pressure on them for quite a while but Portsmouth managed to keep them out. Portsmouth then managed to get their hands on the ball and took play into the opposition half but just could not get that final scoring pass away. Eventually Alton got the ball back and set up a good attack which saw their left winger cross wide out. The conversion missed and the took a 5 – 0 lead. This was followed shortly after by a good catch and drive by Portsmouth from a line-out and they crossed for a try by Max Clarke. Simon Morgan was on target and they now held a narrow 5- 7 lead, A penalty against Portsmouth saw Alton re-take the lead 8-7. Shortly after this Portsmouth were reduced to 14 when full back Tim Rollett was yellow carded for a deliberate slap down of the ball. From the resultant line-out Portsmouth managed to steal the ball and cleared play into the Alton half. Alton gathered the kick but the defender was not quick enough and he was tackled by two Portsmouth players who were up very speedily. Another penalty against Alton saw Morgan kick for touch. This was followed by another penalty against Alton and Morgan’s kick gave them a 5 metre line-out. Ollie Simpson held the ball at the back of the maul and crossed for a try which Morgan converted giving them a 8-14 lead. This was short-lived however when Alton hit back with a well taken try as their player ran through the defence to score their second try. The conversion was good and the score now stood at 15-14. Tim Rollett then came back on so they were now back to a full compliment. More problems for Portsmouth followed shortly after when winger Josh Howell-Williams made good ground before being tackled which resulted in a serious injury to his ankle. He had to be taken from the pitch and was subsequently taken to Hospital with a suspected broken ankle. Lee Chandler came on and he went to No.13 with Sam Olie moving from there to the wing. The half time whistle went with Alton holding a slender 15-14 lead.
Portsmouth got the second half underway and Alton were quickly onto the attack, threatening the Portsmouth try line, but a brilliant interception by Chandler saw Portsmouth take play into the Alton 22. A good driving maul by Portsmouth came to nothing when they were penalised for a neck roll. This was followed by another penalty against Portsmouth in front of their own posts which saw Alton take the 3 points on offer with the score now 18-14. Undaunted Portsmouth were soon back on the attack and some good handling saw the ball moved across the field and back again to the supporting Ollie Simpson who crashed through for his second score, The conversion missed and the score was now 18-19. Finn Parry was then replaced by Joby Walsh. Another penalty to Alton saw them increase the lead to 21-19. Portsmouth’s scrum half Tom Sanderson had been having another good game and he made a blind side break of 15-20 metres before he was finally caught but at least he took play away from the try line. Brad Atkins was then replaced by Ben Gordon at hooker. Another penalty against Alton saw Portsmouth gain a 5 metre line-out and following a clean take they set up another catch and drive which saw them cross for their 4th bonus point try score by Ollie Simpson, his 3rd of the day. The conversion missed but they now held a slender 21-24 lead. More good work from the Portsmouth scrum half saw him harass his opposite number into a knock-on. Portsmouth were now putting more pressure on their opponents as the game became more fractious with a bit of a scuffle breaking out in which Portsmouth were awarded a penalty but this was reversed by the referee as he took exception to comments being banded about. The final whistle went following an Alton move which saw the final pass go into touch and Portsmouth deserved winners 21-24. It is quite a while since they have recorded back to back bonus point wins and their celebrations were richly deserved. This was a rather scrappy game with Portsmouth unable to really stamp a hold as they had last week. Although Ollie Simpson had a good game with 3 tries he was pipped to Man of the Match by Tom Sanderson who showed great speed throughout the match with his all round contribution that just sees him gets on with his job.
This win sees Portsmouth stay in 7th.place on 39 points, Bournemouth 2nds. are 8th. on 34 points. Other results form Saturdays fixtures are Havant 2nds. 118-5 against Basingstoke, Gosport & Fareham losing to Andover 22-32, Bournemouth 2nds losing to Trojans 33-29.
Next week Portsmouth are away to Basingstoke and we underestimate them at our peril as we know from previous seasons!!.
TEAM: ANTHONY FOOKS, BRAD ATKINS, FINN PARRY,
BRYN RAINFORD, SAM FOSTER,
MAX CLARKE (C), GREG HOOLIHAN, OLLIE SIMPSON,,
TOM SANDERSON, GARETH DAVIES,
JOSH HOWELL-WILLIAMS, SIMON MORGAN, SAM OLIE, CONNOR CHARLTON,
TIM ROLLETT,
BENCH: JOBY WALSH, LEE CHANDLER, BEN GORDON.
Portsmouth vs Eastleigh, Saturday 25th February, Counties 1 Hampshire , rearranged match
Portsmouth 38 – 17 Eastleigh
Match report by Jim Dixon
On a rather chilly blustery day Portsmouth had to make one or two changes as this was originally a blank weekend and some players had made other arrangements. This re-arranged fixture was caused by the game being postponed in January due to weather conditions.
Eastleigh got proceedings underway and Portsmouth showed their intent with a great run by Finn Parry who took the ball into Eastleigh’s half of the pitch involving Max Clark and Ollie Simpson . The move was eventually stopped after Portsmouth were penalised for not releasing after the tackle. All the pressure was coming from Portsmouth and eventually they scored through Anthony Fooks following a good move involving Aaron Beesley and Finn Parry. Morgans conversion was true and the score was 7 – 0. Portsmouth had a chance to increase the lead but the penalty kick by Morgan was just wide. With Portsmouth still exerting pressure they managed to string a good passing move across the field which saw Brad Atkins cross close to the posts for their second try. Again Morgan was on target and the score was now 14 – 0. Jashan Solanki was next to score when they ran almost the length of the pitch with good inter-passing and again Morgan added the extras taking the score to 21 – 0. Aaron Beesley, who had been making a nuisance of himself, as far as Eastleigh were concerned, then had to leave the field for treatment to his back. He was replaced by Greg Hoolihan who went to No.6 with Ollie Simpson going to No.8. Eastleigh were gradually getting a foothold in the game and they made progress into the Portsmouth half. From a run by Simpson as he was tackled he turned his ankle over and had to leave the field so Beesley came back. After a period of pressure Eastleigh managed to cross for a try following a drive through their scrum which was giving Portsmouth a few problems. The converson was successful and the score was now 21-7 as the half time whistle went shortly after.
Portsmouth started the second half in much the same way they had the first. From a touch kick by Portsmouth, Eastleigh had a line out on their 10 metre line. A good tackle by Portsmouth saw Eastleigh knock the ball on giving them a scrum. From the scrum a great break by Aaron Beesley saw him make 15-20 metres before being tackled into touch. An Eastleigh line out saw them take the ball upfield and another penalty against Portsmouth saw them kick for touch giving them a line out close to the Portsmouth 10 metre line. Eastleigh were now playing with a bit more confidence following their try just on half time. They spun the ball out from the line out and crossed for their second try near the touch line. The conversion missed and the score was now 21-12. Portsmouth then lost Ollie Bowles with an injury to his wrist and he was replaced by Jordan Cracknell. Portsmouth were under constant pressure at scrum time, often winning the ball going backwards but Beesley was still able to collect the ball and make good ground going forward. More pressure from Eastleigh kept Portsmouth pinned in their half and only good defensive work kept them out. More injury woes for Portsmouth followed when Jashan Solanki had to be helped from the field with what looked to be a serious ankle injury. He was replaced by Alfie Wigley. he went to the wing and Tim Rollett took the vacant full back berth. A series of penalties against Portsmouth didn’t help their cause and it certainly gave Eastleigh a good foothold close to the home side’s try line. Eventually the pressure told and despite some good tackles Eastleigh scored their 3rd try in the far corner. The conversion missed but the score was now a rather concerning 21-17. A bit too close for comfort. This seemed to suddenly wake Portsmouth up and they certainly raised their game , taking play into Eastleigh’s half. A cross kick by Portsmouth was gathered by Max Clarke who made good ground before being driven over the line for Portsmouth’s 4th.try. Morgan couldn’t convert but the score was now 26 – 17. This also gave them a valuable bonus point. Jordan Cracknell then scored his very first try for Portsmouth 1’s. The conversion missed and the score was now a more comfortable 31 – 17. Portsmouth then scored probably their best try of the match with a move that started deep in their 22 by Beesley and he made good ground before passing to Max Clarke who in turn carried on upfield before passing to Sam Olie who still had work to do as he beat defenders to score their 6th.try. Gareth Davies took over the kicking duties and his kick was on target taking the score to 38 – 17 and the final whistle went
Portsmouth were again guilty of conceding too many penalties which helped keep Eastleigh in the hunt for a while in the second half. At least there were no yellow cards for either team. Portsmouth certainly lost their way for a while in the second half but at least they managed to get back on track. Tom Sanderson at scrum half had yet again another good performance but the man of the match was undoubtedly No.8 Aaron Beesley. His rampaging runs always made good ground and his ability to take the ball from a scrum going backwards and then make progress upfield was a joy to watch.
This win sees Portsmouth move back up to 7th in the league on 34 points, only 2 points ahead of Bournemouth..
Next week Portsmouth travel to Alton in another game that they will want to do better in than their last encounter. Winchester had a HWO against Alton.
Portsmouth 2nd’s. also had a good win away against Gosport & Fareham 12-26. The 3rds. lost a friendly against Fareham Nomads.
TEAM: ANTHONY FOOKS, BRAD ATKINS, CHARLIE SHEA.
MAX CLARKE(C) FINN PARRY.
OLLIE SIMPSON, OLIE BOWLES, AARON BEESLEY.
TOM SANDERSON, GARETH DAVIES,
TIM ROLLETT, SIMON MORGAN SAM OLIE,CONNOR CHARLTON.
JASHAN SOLANKI.
BENCH: GREG HOOLIHAN, JORDAN CRACKNELL, ALFIE WIGLEY.
Past Players Reunion Lunch, Photo Gallery, Saturday 18th February 2023
Tackle Height update from Terry Burwell
Dear All
Please circulate widely within your club the communication below from our Hampshire RFU Council representative Terry Burwell regarding the Tackle height changes.
Any comments or those people wishing to be included in the consultation –
Contact Terry direct by 23rd February on – terryburwell@gmail.com
Thank you
Yours in rugby
Julie Greenslade
Executive Director
Update from TB arising from Steerco and Council Meeting
I promised to update you on discussions at the ‘Tackle Height’ Steerco last Thursday and the RFU Council meeting on Monday 13th February.
The Steerco meeting looked closely at the potential law changes and how they might be implemented to achieve the objective to reduce the risk of head injury by addressing the legal height of the tackle and the related responsibilities of both tackler and ball carrier.
It also discussed in detail how we could ensure that all stakeholders in the game had an opportunity to be involved in a meaningful ‘consultation and engagement’ programme, a view that was clearly expressed at the Clubs meeting.
RFU Council expressed its concern and indeed the game’s concern at how the change had been communicated and a full review will be undertaken on both the process and outcome of the 16th January decision. However, this should not distract from the need to engage with the game on the impact of law changes on the game, it’s safety and enjoyment and the participants at all levels
We are finalising the law detail, in parallel with the ‘consultation and engagement plan and this will be communicated as part of that process. The engagement will include a range of options for individuals to be involved from across the spectrum of the community game, from all stakeholder groups.
A series of workshops and forums, run throughout March, will be a mix of face to face and virtual to optimise attendance. These forums will give the attendees the opportunity to discuss with the RFU leadership what the law changes mean to them and what they think should be included to make them a success. Alongside the forums, there will be an open survey, giving everyone the chance to have their say, as well as a series of online focus groups.(expected to go live 1st March)
These roadshows will only work if we can get representations from all corners of the game across the senior men’s and women’s game and age grade rugby, including players(of all demographics), coaches, match officials, parent, teachers, clubs and CB volunteers, disciplinary officers, safeguarding and Rugby Safe Officers, and medics/physio support. The objective is to engage with as many as 1000 representatives from across the Community game, including up to 45 of the Hampshire rugby family, where they can represent their views and those of their club, school or college in a meaningful forum.
Please ask members of your rugby group, in all categories, if they would like to be involved and encourage anyone that does so to engage with their peer group to obtain the widest possible perspective on this issue. I appreciate that at this moment, detail on any proposals has not been finalised but I’m confident we will obtain volunteers who can represent the views of their organization, themselves and their colleagues.
We will be co-ordinating the representation from Hampshire through the County Office. If you, or someone from your organisation would like to be involved, please let the County Office know by 23rd February (Email to hampshirerugby@yahoo.co.uk including in the Subject Line – “Nomination for RFU Tackle Height Consultation”) with details of the section of the game that you (or they) will represent at the roadshows.
These responses will be then be used to ensure that we have a wide representation from our game across Hampshire and we will be returning our list to the RFU on 24th February. We will do our best to find a forum, and attendance medium, that ensures that all individuals selected can attend the workshops, and you will be given options to help you in that regard.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to drop me a message (terryburwell@gmail.com)
High level summary from Clubs meeting on 8th Feb held at Trojans RFC
The main objective is to minimise the head to head contact in open play, trying to avoid 2 heads being in the same space.
- The height has been lowered to remove the risk of two players heads in the same space. More serious injuries occur when there is head-to-head contact, a move to lower the height should reduce this.
- The ball carrier must not late dip – this could be unworkable for referees and players alike – the ball carrier must not endanger the tackler.
There was a lively discussion regarding the content of the slides, and whilst some remained sceptical, there was an understanding of the need to lower the tackle height. Reference was made to the Ross Tucker video emphasising that the green zone is likely to be between the hips and sternum.
The main concern is the future of the game, especially with the RFU cutting the RDOs and education programmes, resulting in a failure to set out the positive benefits of rugby to the widest audience. There is a lack of courses to support teachers grow the sport in schools and access for club coaches to improve their CPD, and once again the lack of RDOs is key in promoting the sport safely in schools.
It was perceived that the RFU is looking to change how rugby is played and how that could affect numbers in clubs, with some clubs believing they would lose a lot of players and leading to them folding. The meeting was assured that this was not intended to fundamentally change the game and this was not a move towards either rugby league or touch rugby, as some feared.
Further discussion was held on the changes to the law regarding the responsibilities of both the tackler and the ball carrier. Ultimately, the changes are seeking to prevent the ball carrier from late dipping into the tackle. It was agreed that the wording in the new RFU laws must be clear and concise, the definitions must be backed up by pictures where necessary. It was also raised as a concern that the timeline seems far too close (By 1st July 2023) when education for players, match officials and coaches must be rolled out. It was felt that there should be courses and webinars available to all as soon as the law wording has completed. The players education being the most important, alongside match officials who will be charged with implementing on the pitch.
There was several comments, and general agreement in the room, that the RFU communication on the proposed tackle height changes have been very poor. This has lead to significant mistrust within the game. The proposed timeline was discussed and ultimately, the RFU has to commit to meaningful consultation with clubs. Without this, there could be a lack of willingness from clubs to participate in the consultation. This really needs to be announced immediately.
TB welcomed any discussion and encouraged club members to contact him via email if they wished to become part of a Hampshire working group – terryburwell@gmail.com
Terry Burwell | RFU Council Member, Hampshire
Chair, RFU Adult Competitions Management Sub-Committee
T: 07710472824
Twitter: @26eltel
Skype: eltel26
A huge thank you for taking part in our 2023 Sock Takeover Day!
January 27th and 28th January 2023
It has been another successful takeover day and whilst we tally up the total fundraising amount, we wanted to say how much it meant to us, as a charity, for teams to switch out their traditional colours for our pink and blue socks.
Over the weekend, each pair of socks worn made an impact – from raising money to raising awareness that our charity exists.
The money raised from the sales of the socks will help provide support kitbags that are designed to help adults or children who are undergoing cancer treatment, they contain exclusive items from our charity range and provide a pick-me-up for their recipients. These remain absolutely free thanks to the generous donations of you and the rest of our wonderful charity supporters.
And thank you to away teams who donated on the day towards the cause, and who are now followers on our social media channels.
Your support really does go a long way, and we hope that we count on you for your support throughout the year and in to 2024.
Put a pencil in your diary for January 2024 for our next Sock Takeover Day!
Thank you again for taking part this weekend
