Match Report

This was almost a must-win match for Portsmouth, but with both teams winless so far it was always going to be a bit tense, for the Portsmouth supporters if not for the players. Conditions were far from ideal, with strong swirling winds, pouring rain and a very muddy pitch. It was a game probably more suited to the forwards than the backs.

Portsmouth got the game underway and were soon dominating territory, keeping Winchester deep in their half. The scrum was fairly dominant, and from a 5-metre line-out they set up a good catch and drive, which saw Liam Avis score for Portsmouth after 5 minutes. The conversion missed and they led 0–5. From another line-out, Portsmouth drove to the Winchester try line, and this time it was Eban Skinner who touched down, taking the score to 0–10 on 15 minutes. Five minutes later Portsmouth were on the scoresheet again, with Fooks the scorer. Again the conversion missed, and the score was now 0–15. Winchester then managed to get a foothold in the Portsmouth half. After stringing some moves together, they got their first try just on the stroke of half-time, taking the score to 5–15.

The second half got underway with Portsmouth still pressing for another score. We have been here before, leading at half-time only to concede tries that took the game away from us. However, it was an excellent move by Portsmouth that saw the ball moved across field from right to left, and eventually it was Sam O’Neill who took the last pass and raced down the wing with only the full back to beat. Matt Pilbeam had raced up in support, and O’Neill drew his man and delivered a great pass to Pilbeam, who had a clear run to the try line, touching down under the posts. That was their fourth try, so a bonus point was assured.

That took the score to 5–20 on 48 minutes. Seven minutes later it was Winchester on the scoreboard, taking the score to 10–20, and the Portsmouth spectators were beginning to get a bit worried, especially when Fooks was then yellow-carded. Winchester took full advantage of the extra player and, from a scrum, drove Portsmouth towards their own try line and eventually crossed for their third try. With Avis also yellow-carded for a high tackle, the score was now 15–20 with 65 minutes on the clock, which was a bit too close for comfort. With the clock nearing full time, Portsmouth went on the attack again, and it was Pilbeam who crossed for his second try, taking the score to 15–25. The conversion missed and the final whistle went, with a first win of the season for Portsmouth.

It was hardly surprising that neither side could convert their tries when you take the conditions into account. The ground underfoot was sodden and very slippery, but handling was surprisingly good in both teams considering the rain and the strong swirling wind. Portsmouth also suffered the loss of Jay Chatham with what looked like a serious knee injury. His place was taken by Alex Randall. Jack Burgess and Charlie Bodman also came on from the bench, and all three contributed well to the team. It is a bit unfair to pick out individuals, as the whole squad performed exceedingly well in the most trying conditions.

This win sees Portsmouth move up to 9th on 14 points. Next week’s opponents are Farnham 2nds, who beat Ellingham & Ringwood 25–19. Farnham are in 2nd place, having won four and lost one, and are on 21 points. Chichester beat Basingstoke 15–31 and are now top, with Basingstoke slipping to 3rd.