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.
