The day was proceeded by a Luncheon in memory of Peter Golding, Dick Tyrell and Keven Ricketts. Their families were present along with about 70 former and current club members. Excellent food was provided by Club Chef Jimmy Martin who always provides for the Club Lunches. Jimmy is a Club member and former 1st xv prop.
Trojans got the game underway and Portsmouth gathered deep in their 22 and went onto the attack straight away. For the next 5-10 minutes play was confined to the 22’s. with Portsmouth being the more dominant. Eventually Portsmouth were penalised for not releasing after the tackle. The kick was in front of the posts and an easy kick gave them a 0-3 lead after about 8 minutes. From the restart Portsmouth took play deep into the Trojan’s 22 where a penalty against them saw flyhalf Matt Higgins line up a kick at goal which he converted making the score 3 apiece after about 12 minutes.
From the restart Trojans set up an attack and worked the ball towards the home side try line eventually crossing to score. This was converted giving them a 3-10 lead on 20 minutes. This seemed to wake up Portsmouth and they set about their task with renewed effort. Portsmouth then won a penalty and elected to kick to touch giving them a lineout about 6-7 metres from the try line. A good catch and drive saw Aarron Beesley drive his way over. Again Higgins was on target with his conversion from out wide bringing the scores level again at 10-10 with about 25 minutes on the clock.
Portsmouth had a chance to take the lead but the ball carrier tried to score himself when a better option might have been a pass inside to a supporting player. Portsmouth then had to take off Vinnie Jefferies following a knock to his back. He was replaced by Matt Hoban. Portsmouth possession inside the Trojans half saw them spin the ball at pace across the backs with Connor Charlton racing from his wing to the other side to take a pass and continue the move with a good pass to scrum half George Wright who raced away to score under the posts. Higgins was again on target and Portsmouth now led 17-10 with about 6 minutes left of the half. Portsmouth were enjoying greater territory and looked more threatening with ball in hand. The forwards were also giving a very good account of themselves. Another attack by the home side saw the ball go loose and Trojans put the ball in touch as the half ended with the score 17-10.
The second half got underway and Portsmouth soon added to their score when a ball was worked through Aaron Beesely who made good ground before passing inside with the ball eventually in the hands of Matt Hoban who sped through to score under the posts. Again Higgins was on target with the conversion taking their lead to 24-10 with 44 minutes played. Shortly after this an intercept by Bryn Rainford saw Portsmouth set up another attack with the ball passed to Matt Higgins who passed to Beesley who scored under the posts. Higgins was again on target and they now led 31-10. This was also their 4th try so a bonus point score. Connor Charlton then came off to be replaced by Cam McGuigan on the wing.
With Trojans getting a bit desperate they threw out a pass which prop Liam Avis quickly responded to and he raced away, as only props do, to score out wide. Yet again Higgins was on target with his conversion taking the score to 38-10. Trojans weren’t done yet and they managed set up a maul to score close to the posts with a converted try taking the score to 38-17. Portsmouth though had the final say with a try scored by Ant Fooks out wide, this time Higgins was not able to convert so the score was now 43-17. This was Higgins first miss from 1 penalty and 5 tries. SIMON. The final whistle went shortly after. This was Portsmouth’s first win this season in league matches and was much deserved. Quick ball saw the backs perform as we know they can and it was good to do so with a decent crowd.
This win sees Portsmouth climb up the table to 10th place. Next week sees Portsmouth travel to Havant 2’s on their all weather pitch. Havant are so far undefeated in this league.
TEAM
LIAM AVIS, BRAD ATKINS, ANT FOOKS
BRYN RAINFORD, VINNIE JEFFERIES
HENRI DAVIES, LIAM GLAZEBROOK AARON BEESELY
GEORGE WRIGHT, MATT HIGGINS
WILL DALZIEL, SAM OLIE, LEO WALL, CONNOR CHARLTON
BRAD JEWER
BENCH
LEE CHANDLER, MATT HOBAN, CAM MCGUIGAN