News

7 December 2024 by Simon Newsham

A cold and very windy afternoon drew the smallest Rugby Camp crowd of the season so far, those who did brave the conditions were treated to a Pompey win but it definitely wasn’t a great game.

The hosts were quickly out of the blocks on two minutes with the best play of the match. Following a scrum on the left fifteen metres inside the Bognor half, George Wright fed fly-half Jas Solanki whose pass missed out centre Dalziel and found full-back Stewart Davies at speed, his pass to right wing Brad Jewer created the overlap for Jewer to run in and score in the right hand corner. Portsmouth had a good spell of possession in the first ten minutes but were unable to add to their early score. Anthony Fooks was having a busy day due to players going off for injuries he had to fill in at front row, second row, flank, No8 and did a superb job wherever he was sent.

The visitors grew into the game and after a spell of desperate defending against the wind by Portsmouth and repeated penalties for offside Bognor got their try on 24 minutes, as with the hosts they were unable to convert in the blustery conditions. The visitors finished the half strongly and Portsmouth conceded yet another penalty for offside in front of the posts on the twenty-two, the Bognor fly-half calmly slotted the three points to go in with a three point lead at half time Portsmouth 5 Bognor 8.

The second half began with both sides having a go but running into big tackles, the hosts No8 Aaron Beesley had plenty of carries but the Bognor defenders weren’t letting him make the ground we have come to expect from him. On 52 minutes Portsmouth were awarded a penalty for a rare Bognor offside on twenty-two meters, Stewart Davies struck it beautifully through the uprights to level things at 8-8.

Ten minutes later after some attritional rugby where nothing much happened in the middle of the pitch, the hosts broke forward from a Solanki kick ahead, chased down by replacement Luke Simmons bought some territory and a spell of pressure in the Bognor twenty-two. The visitors were under extreme pressure when Solanki burst away down the right wing only to be tackled high when it looked like he would score. A further penalty saw a Bognor player go to the bin when the hosts set themselves up for a tap and go penalty five meters out wide on the right. This time they chose the scrum option, the pack piled forward driving the visitors over their own line and Anthony Fooks dropped over for a crucial try. Superbly converted by Stewart Davies putting Pompey into a 15-8 lead with around eighteen minutes to go.

Portsmouth saw the game out with more tenacious tackling from Adam Parks-Dare, Henri Davies and Sam Foster to name a few. Bognor had a late flurry of possession but couldn’t break through the Pompey defence. This was Portsmouth’s fourth win on the bounce, it certainly wasn’t pretty but when you need the points to stay up, winning is all that counts especially when key players are missing.

Portsmouth Line Up 1 Liam Avis, 2 Brad Atkins, 3 Adam Parks-Dare, 4 James Hebbard, 5 Sam Foster, 6 Anthony Fooks, 7 Henri Davies, 8 Aaron Beesley, 9 George Wright, 10 Jas Solanki, 11 Harvey Field, 12 Sam Olie, 13 Will Dalziel, 14 Brad Jewer, 15 Stewart Davies, Reps Vinnie Jefferies, Lee Chandler, Luke Simmons.

Click on the link below for The News tribute to KR.

Ken Reilly’s funeral will be held at St Thomas’s Cathedral, Old Portsmouth at 10 a.m on 10 December, the wake will follow at Portsmouth Rugby Club. Dress code is black for ladies and club blazers for gentlemen. Family flowers only.

Kens Just Giving page can be found here for donations www.funeralguide.co.uk/obituaries/128655

Farewell Ken Reilly – ‘a true Portsmouth RFC legend, a great family man and a good bloke!’

So with the rain once again taking it’s toll on the pitches at Rugby Camp all the Mens teams played away on Saturday. The first xv had a trip to Littlehampton where they played Bognor in Counties Division 1. Bognors pitches like ours were under water. The 1sts produced another outstanding performance winning by 28 points to 5 for a fourth successive win. Sam Olie was voted man of the match.

The Casuals played Romsey on their 4G pitch but despite a spirited fightback they lost 48-25. The thirds went to New Milton who opted to host the game at the last minute, the home side winning 35-0.

On to this coming weekend, the firsts are at home to Andover and they will hope to keep the winning run going. With the Casuals at home to Christchurch it’s an exciting double bill at Rugby Camp, both 1500 kick offs.

No games for The Valkyries this coming weekend but The Colts are away to Ellingham and Ringwood on Sunday.

The two Six Nations matches are being screened this Saturday at the club, Italy v Scotland at 1415 and the big one, England v Ireland at 1645. So come along and cheer the first team on against Andover, then strap yourselves in for the huge game at Twickenham where England will attempt to stop Ireland from getting another step closer to the Grand Slam.

by Simon Newsham

We had a clean sweep throughout the senior club this weekend, victories for all three mens teams on Saturday and The Valkyries second fifteen on Sunday who went to Havant winning in convincing style.

The first team put 62 points on their hosts Bournemouth ii who managed just a solitary try in response. Our Man of the match was Stewart Davies with a brace of tries on his return.

The Casuals just edged it in a tight and feisty affair at home to Aldershot and Fleet, 15-12 the final score in that one.

The thirds were also at home, this time with visitors Petersfield who are always tough opponents but the Vandals were impressive winners with a 35-12 scoreline.

Moving onto Sunday and for once Havant was the place to be. The Valkyries second xv put on an absolutely brilliant display to take the points with a 14-45 win. The impressive Emily Joss helped herself to a hat-trick in a bonus point win. Scrum-half Emily Hare scored a try and four conversions while other scorers were Lydia Lairson and Alexia Seamer.

On to the upcoming games this weekend, on Saturday the 1sts make the short trip to Gosport in Counties Division 1. We hope to see a large Pompey contingent make the journey across the water to cheer the lads on. The seconds are away to Overton in Counties 3, but there’s no game as yet for the third xv.

This Sunday the Valkyries seconds hope to carry on their winning ways with Poole the visitors to Rugby Camp, whilst the Colts host Tottonians. There are also home games for the U16s and U15s on Sunday.

On a sad footnote, the funeral of our good friend Kevin Ricketts takes place at Christ Church, Widley 1145 tomorrow 20th February. There will be a wake at Havant Rugby Club from 1300 where we can share our memories of Kevin, a truly lovely man.

It was a very busy Saturday at Rugby Camp with the visit of a coachload of Welshmen from the Rhonnda, whilst the firsts took on New Milton with a commanding performance, winning 47-5. See Jim Dixons match report. There was also the Rugby Against Cancer Bottomless Brunch in the clubhouse which was well supported on RAC sock takeover week.

The seconds went away to Alresford coming away with the points in a narrow 14-15 victory.

The 3rd XV went down by 35 to 20 against United Services and I assume the Vets won by the customary 76-0 against Abercwmboi who provided the soundtrack in the bar during Wales narrow defeat to Scotland.

Sunday saw our U14s take on Alton in the cup semi final, they weathered the early pressure from the visitors to bounce back winning 24-17 in a highly physical, attritional match against skillful and determined opposition. As coach Chris Morrow said “It was ugly, but we were immense”. They play the U14s Cup Final on March 17, opponents to be announced.

The Under 12s Hosted Havant in a friendly and came out winners by eight tries to three in a well drilled, clinical performance. Both sides running with ball in hand and equally defending well. The Portsmouth boys defended with great stamina and didn’t give the visitors much space or possession to exploit.

Portsmouth Valkyries first XV played at home on Sunday against Cullompton in the RFU Intermediate Cup quarter final. The visitors showed why they’re a league above our women with a 25-61 victory. Their speedsters on the wing doing the majority of the scoring. The Valkyries really put in a shift and can hold their heads high despite the score which doesn’t reflect the amount of possession they had.

This weekend coming

There is only one senior mens game this Saturday with the 2s away to Andover, however, the club is open on Saturday for the Six nations games in the Peter Golding Bar.

On Sunday the 11th The Valkyries 1st XV travel west to take on Bath Ladies while the 2nds host East Dorset Dockers at Rugby Camp.

In other news the 100 club winners for February were drawn on Monday the 5th, the £50 winner was Nigel Morgan and the £30 went to T Golding.

After being in front at Havant the 1st fifteen eventually succumbed to Havant’s pace in the backs, going down right at the end narrowly by 31 points to 28. This was a fine performance by the lads who outplayed their local rivals for much of the game.

The Casuals did the reverse at Rugby Camp against Havant 3s with a late score to win 27-26.

On Sunday the Valkyries 2nd xv travelled to East Dorset where they won by forty points to nil, although the RFU website shows 0-50 so a couple of the Valks are trying to add the spare tries to their tally.

Colts Win The League

Our Colts are league champions for the second successive season. A 52-12 victory against Bognor gave them the title. Massive congratulations to all the lads and the coaching staff. We can look forward to a bright future with this squad of youngsters.

The U14s visited Saracens where they beat three Essex clubs, Chelmsford by 30 points to 5, Southend by 20 to nil and Westcliff 40-15.

This weekend the firsts host New Milton at 1400 on Saturday while the Casuals (2nd xv) travel to Alresford and the 3s, The Vandals go to Burnaby Road to take on US Portsmouth ii. It’ll be a busy one at the club on Saturday with the Vets hosting a touring side from Abercwmboi also 1400 ko.

The Valkyries have a busy day on Sunday with the seconds hosting Poole at midday in the league then at 1400 the firsts take on Cullompton in the quarter final of the RFU Womens Intermediate Cup. We’re hoping for a big crowd on Sunday to cheer the ladies on.

It is with great sadness we have to report the death of former club man and referee Kevin Ricketts after a long illness.

Kevin was a greatly respected and much loved member of PRFC, he was a fine referee not just in Hampshire but he reached the very top of the tree as a First Class ref, the equivalent of the Premiership today. Born in Newport, Wales he settled down south and taught for many years at Priory School before retirement. Kevin for many years wrote weekly match reports for the Portsmouth News sports pages covering local rugby, cricket and football. His coverage of our club was always a little more partisan than other local clubs which showed his great affection for PRFC. As an appreciation of his life and love of the club there will be a minutes silence before the games on Saturday and Sunday.

Kevin leaves his wife Ann and sons Christopher and David, we extend our deepest condolences to all the family and friends of such a fine man.

We’re extremely sad to announce the untimely passing of Dr Richard Tyrrell! Dr Dick was a stalwart of the club and will be missed by everyone 💛

Our thoughts and prayers are with Cathy and all the family 🖤

Bt Simon Newsham

As the dust settles on Rugby World Cup semi final weekend or not, as every refereeing decision is pulled apart by the media we can take a look at how the club got on. The first xv got back to winning ways with a splendid home win against Havant ii (see Jim Dixons match report). There’s a couple of weeks break now for rest and recuperation, some injuries and tired muscles will get a bit of reprieve.

Meanwhile at Hooks Lane the Casuals went down by thirty points to eight despite having been all square at half time they were overpowered in the second period.

The Vets travelled to Fawley where we can only assume they won 76-0.

Sunday saw The Valkyries first team travel deep into Gloucestershire to Chipping Sodbury where they notched up a fine 38-0 away win, opening up a clear four point gap at the top of the table ahead of second place Supermarine. Two tries from wing Katie Wadeson and one each from the other backs Emily Hare, Bronwyn Miller, Georgie Harris, and Megan Jones meant all the tries came from numbers ten to fifteen. Nancy Lismore slotted three conversions while Emily Hare added the other two points.

The Valks second fifteen couldn’t capitalise on a first half lead at home to Trojans who arrived a couple of players short, but with uncontested scrums and having to play under 19s laws didn’t allow the Valkyries to play to their strengths. The final score was 22 – 31 with tries from Luna Lewis, Alex Rainbow, Laura Gazzard with her first for the club and to cap a fine game at fly-half Nicki Buckingham also scored. Sophie Exton-Woodford back in the fold playing at centre grabbed a conversion.

The Colts put in an outstanding performance at Bognor, coming away with a huge forty nil win.

The U14s had a busy weekend with home games on Saturday and Sunday, the first game against Princethorpe College from Rugby on their annual visit. In a fast and physical game Pompey were superior at the breakdown and in defence to take the win by 42 points to 10.
On Sunday they played Fareham Heathens beating them 50-0.

Tickets for Octoberfest at the club on 11 November are now very limited, contact Ollie Simpson if you want to go along £20 is the asking price over 18s only.
olliesimpson@gmail.com for more details.

Have a great week

By Simon Newsham

It was a tough weekend for the senior men, the firsts went down 18-13 at Andover bringing an end to their excellent winning start to the season (see Jim Dixon’s match report).

 At Rugby Camp the Casuals suffered the agony of a last minute defeat to Andover 2s going down 21-27 whilst the Third XV also at home lost narrowly by eight points to twelve against Fareham Heathens.

No fixtures for the Valkyries last weekend but this Sunday league leaders the first xv are away at Chipping Sodbury in NC1 South West E.  Meanwhile the seconds will host Trojans Ladies at Rugby Camp.

 Some of the Mini section went to Alton for a coaching session, massive thanks to Alton for hosting us on a glorious sunny morning.

 I only have two reports from the juniors and that was the U13s who went away to Eastleigh and despite going down by nine tries to five. Dexter Oliver was player of the match for the second game running. A big mention to Samuel Hunter who has really come on and put in some amazing tackles. The U13s are looking forward to a rematch at Norway Road.

And on Sunday the U14s hosted Ellingham & Ringwood in a friendly fixture.

With a very experimental side and lots of players playing in new positions, the home team ran out 73-12 winners. A real credit to the adaptability of the boys.

11 tries in total, with ?Hat trick? Henry getting voted man of the match by the opposition. Finley, Seth, Ashton, Zachary, Michael and Nathan also getting over the line – backed up by the boots of Lenny and Ashton.

This weekend it’s a big one at home, local rivals Havant ii come to Rugby Camp, there is a lunch available beforehand where the menu is Steak and Ale Pie with vegetables and herby roast potatoes or a Sweet Potato and Vegetable pie. Dessert is Sticky Toffee Pudding with custard. Please contact Graham Medland on 07952994352 or gmedland@yahoo.com.

 The Casuals are away to Havant 3’s KO 3pm and the Vets have their first outing with a trip to Fawley Veterans, KO 2 pm

By Simon Newham

The First xv left it late against Eastleigh at Rugby Camp (see Jim Dixons report) but it was a fantastic end to a second period which we spent entirely in Eastleighs half of the pitch.

The Casuals won 76-0 away to Eastleigh with tries from, Ryan Bateman, Kallen Wilke, Hywel Gronow, Harry Drew, Henrie Thorne all with a try each. Henry Gill and Sam Witt with a brace and a hat-trick for Matt Austin. Hywel Gronow also added eight conversions, as one of the Colts stepping up in the second xv along with Henrie Thorne, Sam Witt and Gronow himself played well.  All three stepped up for their first senior game and they all put in a great shift. Well done, it’s great to see the transition between colts and seniors gelling together nicely.

I’d love to give you a report from the Under 10’s at New Milton except we didn’t make it there. Thanks to a car malfunction on the M27, many thanks to Dave Thomas for assisting with the rescue of wife, child, dog and gazebo. I believe the U10s had a great day and are looking forward to their next tournament.

Instead of being at New Milton I got the chance to watch the Valkyries at home to Ellingham & Ringwood who romped home in a 76-0 win. Hat-tricks for centre Georgie Harris and wing Katie Wadeson while full back Nikki Buckingham bagged herself two tries. Also on the scoresheet were fly-half Nancy Lismore, No.8 Zoe Jones, Keeta Rowlands and Ciera Forry all with one each.

The Valks second xv travelled to Swanage and Wareham (thanks for the toot toot from the bus as you passed us on the hard shoulder) where a valiant performance saw them just edged out by ten points to seven. Prop Niamh Bevan scored our only try which was converted by Meg Wright.   

The Colts compounded Eastleighs miserable weekend of results against us with a 54-7 drubbing at Rugby Camp, although it was a friendly fixture it’s still good to get a run of wins together.

U12s match report;  What a difference a week makes! U12’s managed to right the wrongs of last week with four outstanding matches at New Milton. Despite losing the first game they found momentum in the second, narrowly missing out on a win against Tottonians but romped home with 2 victories against Romsey and tournament hosts New Milton. Coach Matt says “the squad really were impressive, their hard work, enthusiasm and enjoyment on the pitch was infectious, they firmly showed they are a force to be reckoned with!”

The U13s played United Services in a cup match winning by five tries to four, Dexter Oliver was player of the match, most improved was Matin Javid and Donut of the Day Jack Nickleson.

On Friday night the U14’s welcomed Chichester to Rugby Camp for a cracking game under the new floodlights.

Having not played each other before, neither side knew what to expect. But the action on the pitch did not disappoint.

Played in quarters, Portsmouth won each quarter. Eventually running out 54-10 winners but the scoreline doesn’t do justice to the quality and skill of the Chichester side who tested us in every area of the pitch.  Particularly pleasing from a Portsmouth perspective was the variation in which the tries were made and where they were scored. Not to mention an immense defensive effort to frustrate the visitors throughout. Eight tries were scored, Henry with two, Finley, Harry, Seth, Michael, Jake and Shaye one each (with 7/8 successfully converted by Shaye) sent the Portsmouth lads home with deserved smiles on their faces.

By Simon Newsham

On Saturday the First XV had a cracking 14 – 42 win at Alton, see Jim Dixons report on the news page.

The Casuals entertained the Isle of Wight narrowly losing 27-32 with the final play of the match. Tries from Aaron Beasley, Ali Macdonald, Scott Weatherhead and Ryan Bosher.

On Sunday The Valkyies were in RFU Intermediate Cup action against Hove who play in Womens Champion SE division two. This is a couple of steps higher up than our ladies. So you can imagine the delight of the Valks coming out on top 31-24 in  really close match. A brace of tries from wing Katie Wadeson, one each from Georgie Harris, Meg Jones and a first ever try for second row Amy Hanks was a highlight for the supporters. Two Conversions by Nancy Lismore and one from Chloe Stopard put the girls in the hat for the next round.  

The Colts enjoyed a 33-22 win over Petersfield in a spirited encounter at Rugby Camp, they were in command for the majority of the game, I don’t have any scorers but well played to the lads.    

In the junior section the U12’s made the short trip to Gosport and Fareham for a tournament. Blighted with absentees they had a tough day at the office losing all 4 pool games and unfortunately had to withdraw at the knock-out stage as the injuries mounted. The coach adds “There’s lots to work on at training on Wednesday and we will build from here”.

The U13’s hosted Tottonians on Sunday morning ending up five points each in a hard fought match, Joshua Daniells impressed for the hosts as did Brayden Dewane, the coveted Donut of The Day was Jack Stoneman.

In the afternoon the U14s also hosted Totts in their first home game of the season and a solid 66-5 victory in a hotly-contested match gave them their second win in a row. Amongst numerous try-scorers, player of the match Rory helped himself to four tries with the score being underlined by the excellent conversion kicking from Lenny.

The U16s travelled to Basingstoke looking to make it two wins from two. Kick off was delayed to allow them to have a proper warm up after arriving late due to a motorway incident. The lads started well but conceded early points, however they stuck to their game plan and ran out 34-36 winners with two tries from Dylan Barnes (on his birthday) and one each for Sam Shepherd, Blake Kerley, Joe Cobby and Josh Witt, Pompeys player of the match was Charlie Bradrick. The win puts them in second place behind Tadley on points difference. 

 Next Saturday the 1sts host Eastleigh, there will be a pre-match lunch, if you’re thinking of coming along please contact Graham Medland or text on 07952 994352

By Simon Newsham

The first XV hosted Trojans on Saturday watched by a large crowd in the sunshine and ably supported by our U10s who acted as mascots for the day including a coaching session.  A comfortable 57-13 victory was racked up with nine tries and nine different scorers.  Each home league game will be preceded by a lunch and a different age group of juniors will be guard of honour for the first team.

In other games the Seconds went down 50 points to 16 at Fareham Heathens the Valkyries 2s were postponed when Poole couldn’t raise a side due to illness and injuries. However, the Valks firsts went to Bristol on Sunday to play Dings Crusaders and came away with a 29-29 draw after a last gasp penalty try courtesy of the hosts. The ladies fought back from 29-17 down, tries from Kat Burianova, Katie Wadeson and Nancy Lismore earning the Valkyries valuable points, they are third in NC1 South West (east).     

In the junior section the under 13s played a friendly away to Bognor coming out winners by six tries to two.  Player of the match was Vincent Thomas, the most improved player was Troy Lawton-Roberts and Donut of the day was Samuel Hunter. Great play Sam.

The U14’s had their first friendly fixture of the season, travelling to East Grinstead. Where they were welcomed by their chairman who also refereed the match. On the pitch the boys started the season with the same kind of intensity they finished their U13’s campaign. Playing fast, free-flowing rugby and not allowing their opponents any space in defence or attack.

The relentless pressure meant Portsmouth winning 54-0 against a spirited East Grinstead side who never gave up or let their heads drop. Unsurprisingly there were some magnificent performances across the squad, but a special mention has to go to Arthur who the opposition voted player of the match in his very first club rugby match.

There was a sense of poignancy as it is three years since the tragic death of East Grinsteads head coach Police Sergeant Matt Ratana, the club have installed a permanent memorial, silhouette of Matt overlooks the pitches where he continues to watch the games at the club where he was so popular.

The U15s had their first league game today against Basingstoke at home. An amazing performance and a 37-21 win for the Portsmouth boys. A hat trick for full back Jamie Morgan, two tries by Fly Half Rhys Arnott a try each for Logan Lavery and Max Dixon. 

The U16s went to Romsey and came away with a 24-25 victory, tries from Sam Oldham, Joe Cobby and Blake Kerley plus two Conversions and two penalties by Reggie Dugan sealed their first win in their new division. A great result having been 24 – 13 down with ten minutes to go the boys dug in deep. 

The next session will be on Wednesday, 30th August at 7pm at Rugby Camp.

Before you look to participate, please message John Vaughan on 07881 383 387 to confirm your attendance and then turn up suitably attired on the day.

WHAT IS IT?

Walking Rugby is one of England Rugby’s non-contact formats of the game. There is no tackling involved, instead a touch on the armpit or below are used. Played on a half pitch, participants must be walking at all times.

WHO CAN PLAY?​

Walking Rugby can be played by everyone men and women; however, it is generally played by older players (55+). All skill levels can play together.   ​

WHAT TO EXPECT?​

A welcoming, laid back, social environment is the core experience of all Walking Rugby sessions. Players should arrive dressed for the playing conditions and introduce themselves to John and Paul when they arrive. Each session is unique so be sure check-in with John prior to joining.​

Fellow members

Second Calling notice – Portsmouth Rugby Club – AGM 2023 – Tuesday 4th of July at 20:00

The meeting will begin at 8:00 on Tuesday 4th of July and members are requested to sign in by 7.45

The agenda is as below

Herewith the Agenda for the meeting.

1. Attendance and apologies
2. Minutes of AGM July 2022.
3. Chairman’s Report
4. Financial Report and Appointment of Independent Examiners

5. 1^st team Captain’s address

6. Player’s Rep. Address
7. Election of Officers.

Nominations

  President                        N. Morgan
  Chairman                        J Whitehouse
  Vice Chairmen                S Cameron /M Caspall
  Hon Treasurer                 M. Twells
  DOR                                TBC
  Hon Sec                          C Richardson
  House Manager              J Dixon / D Knight
  Players representatives: TBC
  Media & Development    Simon Newsham
  Junior Section                 Gemma Skinner
  Women’s DOR                Fred French
  Social Secretary             Ollie Simpson
  Membership Secretary    R Tyrrell

6. Captains – to be announced
7. Questions and answer session
8. AOB – NOTICE from Pete Smout – This month’s 100 club will be £500

Many thanks  Roger Highgate

The winners of the June draw were: Mark Witcher – £50 and Jacqui Bailey – £30.

To sign up and be included in the draw for July and have a chance of winning the £50 first prize or £30 second prize, contact Pete Smout on 07760 400 690 or email petesmout@hotmail.com for more information.

The cost is £3 per month or an annual one-off payment of £36.

For many years now, retired PRFC Vets have been running the line for all 1^st XV’s matches, home and away. These ageing dinosaurs require some fresh young blood to come in and supplement their numbers and if you are a former player and would like to give something back to the club, please volunteer to join our merry band from next season.

At the moment, touch-judges attend three matches each a season but obviously, with more numbers, this could reduce to one or two Saturdays.

If you can spare a couple of Saturdays from September to March, please contact John Vaughan on 07881 383 387.

As I sit and reflect on the last season of rugby at the camp I’m reminded why I coach . 

It’s the people, always the people. I’ve met tremendous people at Portsmouth and have been and continue to feel enormously welcomed. I’m still in awe of the number of volunteers that all do something, either large or small so that 15 blokes (and ladies) can chase an egg shaped bag of wind round a muddy field in the freezing cold. 

I’m pleased to have been able to support the development of the players with a number of colts and senior players receiving county call ups this year.

The business end for me is training the team and performances on Saturdays. We’ve been buoyed by some great numbers and engagement at training and some top end performances in home victories against Basingstoke, petersfield and Eastleigh – but if I could bottle one performance it would be away at havant. What performance from the players and a great occasion to be involved in.

Coaches and managers have been planning for next season for some time with priority always to be retaining the playing squad from last year and integrating the colts int to the adult set up. We are seeking to add to the squad but only in positions where we either lack depth or can significantly improve.

Pre season is fast approaching and I’d just like to remind all the players that gym time isn’t mandatory …. But neither is game time. 

Matt 

Congratulations to Portsmouth RFC players, Edward Frazer and Henrie Thorne (No’s 4 & 1 shirts), who made their debuts for Hampshire under 17’s away at Surrey on 14th May. Despite losing 26-24, the new-look Hampshire squad were playing together for the first time and could have won the match!

Also represented, was Will Balch (No 14 shirt), son of one of PRFC’s main sponsors and former player, Mick Balch of L&S Waste, who was representing Ryde School on the Isle of Wight.

Well done also to PRFC under 15’s player Teddy Skinner who once again represented London Irish under 15’s in their match against Bristol Bears on the 14th.

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.