It was a bitterly cold windy day, the only good thing about it was the rain held off for the duration of the match.
Basingstoke got the game underway and Portsmouth set up a number of forward drives but a knock on gave ‘Stoke a scrum. they set up a good attack and a well judged kick across field found their winger who crossed out wide. The conversion missed and they took a 0-5 lead with about a couple of minutes gone.
A good attacking move came to nothing when a Portsmouth player who got tap tacked then got penalised for crawling with the ball in hand. Portsmouth then set up a series of drives through the forwards which eventually resulted in their first try by Ant Fooks. The conversion missed and the scores were now level at 5 a’piece after 15 minutes. Portsmouth pressed hard but just couldn’t get through the defence. Brad Atkins then had to leave the field with knee injury and his place was taken by Alex Buck on his Club debut. He went to prop and Fooks went to hooker. A good kick up field by Portsmouth came to nought when the ball crossed the dead ball line before a chasing Portsmouth player could get to it. The half time whistle went shortly after with the score still 5-5.
The second half started with Matt Higgins taking the place of Brad Jewer on the wing. Debut maker Sam Floyd then came off to be replaced by Lee Chandler on the flank. Basingstoke were beginning to cause problems for Portsmouth when they twice managed to break through a gap in the backs but fortunately some good tackling prevented a score. Once again that gap was found by Stoke and this time they scored close to the posts. The conversion was good and the score was now 5-12 with 50 minutes gone.
A penalty awarded to ‘Stoke was on target and their lead was now 5-15. on about 65 minutes. This seemed to stir Portsmouth into a bit of action and from deep in their own 22 they worked the ball upfield with forwards and backs combining well and suddenly they were in the ‘Stoke 22. The supporting Adam Parks-Dare came quickly through to take the final pass and a good run to the try line saw him score under the posts. Matt Higgins was on target with the conversion and the score was now 12-15 with 75 minutes on the clock.
A penalty against the home side saw them kick to touch with a lineout on the 10 metre line. A successful drive saw them cross for a try which was converted giving them a 12-22 victory. Portsmouth’s Man of the Match was awarded to centre Oli Avis who caused problems for the visitors on several occasions.
This was a very disappointing performance by Portsmouth who were not at their best. Perhaps too much Christmas Turkey! This loss sees Portsmouth slip to 7th in the League still on 30 points. Next week Portsmouth travel to Trojans who are a couple of places below them and on 24 points.
TEAM
ADAM PARKS-DARE, BRAD ATKINS, ANT FOOKS
SIMON PINHORN, SAM FOSTER
LIAM GLAZEBROOK, SAM FLOYD, AARON BEESLEY(C)
GEORGE WRIGHT, JAS SOLANKI
BRAD JEWER, OLI AVIS, SAM OLIE, LUKE SIMMONS
ALEX RANDALL
BENCH
ALEX BUCK, LEE CHANDLER, MATT HIGGINS,