Portsmouth v Basingstoke, Saturday 30th January, Counties 1 Hampshire League

With the M3 closed to traffic for the weekend we had to travel the scenic route through Selbourne and Alton and a lovely route it was, as a passenger
thanks to Ed Neville, I was able to look around quite safely. We both decided that in future we would always go that way but come back via the M3 as it was probably easier in the dark.
Any way enough of this rubbish, lets get on the important stuff, namely the match report. This was a re-run of the game in December when Sam Floyd suffered a nasty cut to his leg and the match had to be abandoned. This is his 3rd game since his operation.

Portsmouth got the game underway and straight away they pressurised ‘Stoke, keeping them in their 22. From a Portsmouth lineout the ball went to Gareth Davies who put a delicate kick towards the touchline where winger Brad Jewer took the catch at pace and raced down the wing only to be caught just before he could score. Portsmouth were keeping the pressure on ‘Stoke and it was fully 15 minutes before stoke got into the Portsmouth 22. Portsmouth soon took play back into the ‘Stoke half and eventually ‘Stoke got penalised for not releasing the tackled player. Gareth Davies took the kick from just outside the ‘Stoke 22 and the ball dissected the posts giving Portsmouth the lead 0-3 on 27 minutes.

From the re-start, Portsmouth were forced to defend and eventually a knock on by ‘Stoke should have given the visitors a chance to clear their line, but in a moment of madness someone back chatted the referee and he reversed his decision. ‘Stoke weren’t going to loose this advantage and scored out wide, the conversion missed but they were now in front 5-3 on 30 minutes. Portsmouth went straight back on the attack and the ball went through several players before the final pass to Jay Chatham who neatly stepped his winger and scored out wide. Davies was again on target and Portsmouth regained the lead 5-10 on 34 minutes. That was the last score of the first half.

‘Stoke got the second half underway and Portsmouth were now playing into a steady cross wind. ‘Stoke had a chance to close the gap with a penalty in front of the posts but the ball went wide. Portsmouth were soon on the attack again and a good kick ahead by sub Matt Pilbeam took play right upfield. He followed up the ball but slightly over ran it due to the vagueries of a bouncing rugby ball, fortunately Dan Spencer had also followed up and he was able to cross for their second try. With Davies again on target with the conversion the lead now stretched to 5-17 on 46 minutes.

However 5 minutes later ‘Stoke scored their second try which was converted, closing the gap to 12-17. The second half was becoming a much closer game. 5 minutes later Portsmouth were awarded a penalty following a good attack. Davies had no hesitation in taking the kick and he duly obliged taking the score to 12-20. With full time approaching it was ‘Stoke who scored next with a converted try taking the score to a nail biting 19-20.

They had a chance shortly after to win the game with a penalty but the kick went wide and with Portsmouth defending in their 22 they were able to win the ball and clear it to touch with the final whistle going giving them a well deserved, if narrow, win 19-20.

This was always going to be a tight game and so it proved, both sides having good attacking and defending qualities. There were no thoughts of bonus points from Portsmouth, it was just a case of winning. Both packs gave their all with Portsmouth just shading it. The front row has been much improved since the arrival of Will Rolfe this season. Although Basingstoke scored 3 tries to Portsmouth’s two they deserved this win, if only for the first half display which kept ‘Stoke in their half for long periods. In the second half it was a more even affair. All the subs were used and each and every one of them contributed to this victory. It was also good to see Bryn Rainford back after a long absence even if he doesn’t enjoy second row!

Portsmouth remain on top with 56 points, Bognor are second on 51 points, Winchester 2’s third on 49 points and ‘Stoke fourth also on 49 points but with 1 drawn match. This was Portsmouth’s 9th consecutive win, something not seen for a very long time.

There are no games next week as it is a rest week, the next game is against Guernsey 2nds at Rugby Camp on Saturday 14th February.

Team
WILL ROLFE(C), JOHN PEARSON, LIAM AVIS
SAM FOSTER, BRYN RAINFORD
DAN SPENCER, SAM FLOYD, ANT FOOKS
DOM VUGLAR, GARETH DAVIES
BRAD JEWER, JOSH HOWELL-WILLIAMS, SAM OLIE, JAY CHATHAM
FRAZER GREEN

BENCH
JOE BENNETS, ED MILFORD, MATT PILBEAM