By Fred French
Portsmouth v Basingstoke at Winchester RFC.
In the first ten minutes possession and position were in Portsmouths favour, but final passes didn’t go to hand and Basingstoke were very strong defensively. They capitalised on a Portsmouth error when one of the Basingstoke backs broke the line and ran from deep in their own half to score under the posts and converted.
Portsmouth replied ten minutes later with a penalty in front of the posts kicked by Reggie D, then just before half-time Reggie scored under the posts on a pick and go and converted.
Half time 10-7.
The second half was Portsmouth’s game. Possession, going forward, in support of each other, but Basingstoke still put up a solid defence, disrupting play tackling and rucking.
Tries came from George O with a pick and dive converted by Reggie, a Josh W run in from the wing converted by Reggie. Dylan B scored Portsmouth’s final try it was a powerful run in from Rhys who passed to Dylan to score the try (not converted)
Final score 29-7.
Unfortunately the game was marred by yellow cards to each side throughout and a red card at the end for Basingstoke. Portsmouth had a serious collision injury at the end to James F resulting in a full supporting cast of air ambulance paramedic, paramedic, doctor and at least one nurse who were present watching and supporting other teams James went to hospital and concussion was diagnosed.
This was the teams last match together as Portsmouth U16s from next week they start training as Colts. It was also their third end of season final together and their third win bringing home the trophy.