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