Match Report

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This was always going to be a hard contest, as last season showed, and today was no exception. Basingstoke are top of the league and undefeated, while Portsmouth are yet to register their first win, lying in 10th position.

With play staying between the 22s from the start, it didn’t take ‘Stoke long to open their scoring account with a try out wide. The conversion missed and they led 0–5 after 6 minutes. Portsmouth defended their line well and managed to keep ‘Stoke from scoring, but eventually their centre burst through to score. The conversion missed again, taking the score to 0–10 on 30 minutes. Portsmouth then lost Matt Hoban, who was playing at No. 12, following a bang to his head. He was replaced by Ali MacDonald. Shortly after this, ‘Stoke scored their third try, which was converted, taking the score to 0–17, and the half-time whistle went shortly after.

The second half started with Portsmouth putting pressure on their opponents, and eventually Liam Avis scored from a catch and drive following a line-out. Gareth Davies was unable to convert, so the score was now 5–17 after 45 minutes. From a ‘Stoke scrum around the Portsmouth 22, they won good ball and their centre stepped his way around three would-be tacklers to score their fourth try. This time the conversion was good and the score was now 5–24 with 58 minutes on the clock. ‘Stoke then extended their lead to 5–31 with a converted try on 70 minutes.

It was then Portsmouth’s turn on the scoreboard, with Ant Fookes scoring their second try, which he richly deserved, as he had been making ground every time he took the ball from the base of the scrum. His tackle rate was also very good throughout the match. The score was now 10–31 on 75 minutes. ‘Stoke then scored the final try of the day, which was unconverted, taking the score to 10–36 on 79 minutes. From the restart they put the ball into touch and the final whistle went.

A hard day at the office for the home side, with yet another loss. Looking at the performance of the two sets of backs, the difference was clear to see. When ‘Stoke ran the ball through their threes, they moved at pace going upfield, whereas the home side were taking the ball going sideways, which left the winger with no room at all.

Eric Mottershaw played his second game for Portsmouth, but he was moved from the back row to the second row to partner Sam Foster. He stuck to his task gamely. The bench also contributed well when they came on.

Next week sees Portsmouth travel to Winchester to take on their 2nds, who have also yet to register their first win. They lost to Farnham 2nds 73–10 and are bottom of the league. They have scored more points than Portsmouth, 193 to 146, but their points difference is not as good, −133 to −48. So all to play for.