In conditions which could best be described as ‘challenging’, Portsmouth took on Bournemouth 2nd XV in a League Fixture at Rugby Camp.
The Portsmouth team were disrupted by the late withdrawal of one player and the non-appearance of another one. Several team and positional changes were necessary. Not the best way to prepare for a game!
The early exchanges were lively, with both sides having a share of the possession, but Portsmouth spent a great deal of those minutes in the Bournemouth half. Portsmouth won a penalty in the Bournemouth 22 but decided to kick to the corner and were unable to convert the resulting lineout. In the 18th minute but chose to kick to the corner and were unable to convert the resulting lineout. One of the few forays by Bournemouth into the Portsmouth 22 was repelled by some excellent defensive work and, when a Bournemouth ball was fumbled, Josh Howell-Williams kicked the ball ahead and, by the use of footballing skills, a foot race with the opposition back, and a little luck, caught the bouncing ball and went over for a try, duly converted by Tommy Ware. (7 – 0)
Bournemouth redoubled their efforts and were awarded a penalty try due to an illegal scrummage by Portsmouth. This also resulted in Rhys Bowen being binned. (7 – 7)
In early in the second half Bryn Rainford was binned and Portsmouth held out until an illegal tackle gave them a penalty attempt in the Portsmouth 22. Fortunately for Portsmouth this was missed.
The rest of the second half was hard fought with both sides having chances. Bournemouth looked dangerous at times, but the weather and the pitch conspired to stop fluent moves on both sides. Late on Worrall was yellow carded but Portsmouth hung on to pick up the points. (Final Score 10 – 7)
Overall, an entertaining match in difficult conditions.
Team: Bowen, Atkins, Moore, Clarke, Rainford, Worral, Fooks, Simpson
Bushell, Hare, Howell-Wiliams, Chandler, Gates, Steed, Solanki
Bench: Foster, Cracknell
