Sat 28 Sep 2024
Basingstoke
26 – 20
(HT 5-10)
Portsmouth
Basingstoke RFC Ltd
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15TToby Titcombe
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14TTom Shakespeare
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13OOscar Rowley
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12SSean McDermott
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11TTaniform Tala
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10AAlfie Rowley
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9DDrew Paterson
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1SShaun Larkman
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2GGuy Pope
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3CCallum Anderson
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4GGeorge Rowley
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5DDaniel Mairs
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6NNathaniel Siddall
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7RRiley Darragh
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8LLuke Wareham
Substitutes
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16LLucas James King
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17SSoane Falekaono
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18SSimon Appleby
Portsmouth RFC
Substitutes
Match Report
Portsmouth got the game underway and Basingstoke took the game straight back to the visitors. With only a few minutes on the clock Portsmouth lost second row Jordan Cracknell with a shoulder injury following a big tackle on his opposite number. Will Dalziel went on in his place. For a while play was taking place between the 22’s but eventually following a penalty against Basingstoke Jas Solanki slotted a good kick to give Portsmouth a 0-3 lead.
The Portsmouth backs looked dangerous when they got the ball with Luke Simmons from fullback showing good pace but unfortunately their opportunities were rather restricted. Basingstoke had a very big pack and made Portsmouth work hard for their chances. With about 30 minutes gone Basingstoke were able to cross for the first try of the match and take a 5-3 lead. The Portsmouth scrum were beginning to give a better account of themselves and this gave the 3’s a better chance to show their paces. From good possession the visitors set up a series of pick and goes and eventually the ball was spun to the backs and Solanki ran across the pitch selling dummies until he stepped inside one player and crossed for a well taken try. He was also on target with the conversion and they took a 10-5 lead. The half time whistle went shortly after.
The second half got underway with Basingstoke putting the visitors under pressure but Portsmouth managed to hold them out with good defence. Luke Simmons then had to come off with hamstring problems and he was replaced by Cam McGuigan. Aaron Beesley then came off and he was replaced by Adam Parks-Dare. Basingstoke took advantage of these changes and from a line out close to the Portsmouth try line they managed to drive over for a converted try taking the score to 12-10 on 65 minutes. This was followed shortly after by two more try’s taking the score to 26 – 10.
With Basingstoke making changes to their pack Portsmouth seemed to lift their game with Beesley now back on and began to get some good 3’s moves going. Bryn Rainford then had to come off so Adam Parks-Dare went back on. With some hard work Portsmouth were able to get the ball out wide to Connor Charlton who crossed for their second try which Solanki converted taking the score to 26-17. This seemed to give Portsmouth a second wind and they put real pressure on the Basingstoke line but their only reward was a penalty which Solanki again converted taking the score to 26-20 as the final whistle went.
This was a game that Portsmouth could have won, they played well in patches but couldn’t sustain it. The forwards were up against a heavier pack but at times pushed them off the ball. If Portsmouth could get an 80 minute performance of good rugby they could compete with most clubs. This result gave Portsmouth their first losing bonus point but still sees them bottom of the table with Bognor above them without a win but on 3 losing bonus points.
There are no games next week so a chance for those injured today and previously to hopefully get better to give the coaches a good squad to select from. Their next opponent is Trojans at Rugby Camp. 3.00pm kick off.
TEAM
LIAM AVIS, BRAD ATKINS, ANT FOOKS
JORDAN CRACKNELL, BRYN RAINFORD
VINNIE JEFFERIES, HENRI DAVIES, AARON BEESLEY(C)
GEORGE WRIGHT, JAS SOLANKI
CONNOR CHARLTON, STEWART DAVIES, SAM OLIE, LEO WALL
LUKE SIMMONS
BENCH
ADAM PARKS-DARE, WILL DALZIEL, CAM MCGUIGAN