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.
