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Results

Women’s NC 1 South West (East)

Sun 27 Sep 2026

Horsham RUFC

43 – 8

Portsmouth RFC

Horsham RUFC

  • 15
    Pearce
  • 14
    Harrison
  • 13
    Matthews
  • 12
    Motuel
  • 11
    Jeanne
  • 10
    Ansell
  • 9
    Birch
  • 1
    Reid
  • 2
    Wheadon
  • 3
    O’connor
  • 4
    Roffe
  • 5
    Heryet
  • 6
    Smith
  • 7
    Tyler
  • 8
    Spurrier
  • 16
    Bridgewater
  • 17
    Blake
  • 18
    Long
  • 19
    Thomas
  • 20
    Gardner
  • 21
    Tamai

Substitutes

  • 22
    Taylor

Portsmouth RFC

Substitutes

Match Report

The final score may read 43–8, but that only tells part of the story from the Portsmouth Valkyries’ trip to Horsham. Following a summer of significant changes, with new players, coaches and systems being integrated into the squad, the Valkyries showed plenty of heart, physicality and promise against an experienced Horsham side.

From the first whistle, Portsmouth’s forwards laid down a marker. The Valkyries scrum was dominant throughout the full 80 minutes, consistently putting Horsham under pressure, winning penalties and providing a solid platform for the team. Around the park, Portsmouth carried with real intent, regularly crossing the gain line and taking the game to the hosts.

The Valks were rewarded early when captain Emily Hare calmly slotted a penalty in the fourth minute to put Portsmouth 3–0 ahead. While Horsham struggled to match Portsmouth’s power up front, they found success by moving the ball quickly into the wide channels. Two first-half tries helped the home side take a 10–3 lead into the break.

The pattern continued in the second half. Portsmouth continued to battle hard, winning collisions and showing tremendous work rate across the pitch. However, Horsham were clinical when opportunities opened up on the outside, making the most of space created out wide.

The Valkyries’ persistence was deservedly rewarded in the 63rd minute when sustained pressure and powerful carrying finally resulted in a well-earned try from Paula Robinson, bringing the score to 29–8. Although Horsham added further scores in the closing stages, the final scoreboard did not fully reflect the competitive nature of the contest or the effort shown by the visitors.

After the match, Head Coach Pony Moore reflected positively on the team’s performance:

“I was really pleased with the effort from everyone. The team spirit is building, and as our first game together, with new players, new coaches and new structures, it was always going to be a steep learning curve, especially after all our planned pre-season games were cancelled. We know what we have to do, but we also have to accept that in the early weeks, mistakes will be made as we learn together.”

Special recognition also goes to this week’s award winners. Forward of the Match went to Kacee Knox, whose tireless work rate and all-round contribution made her a standout performer throughout the 80 minutes. Kacee carried strongly all afternoon, never shirked her defensive responsibilities and consistently put herself in the thick of the action, earning her a well-deserved award.

Back of the Match was awarded to Keira Essam, who stepped into an unfamiliar position and grew into the role impressively as the game progressed. Organising the defence from the back, she communicated confidently throughout and made numerous crucial cover tackles, repeatedly preventing Horsham from turning line breaks into further scores.

While the result did not go Portsmouth’s way, the Valkyries can take plenty of encouragement from the performance. The dominance of the scrum, the commitment shown across the squad and the positive signs emerging from a group adapting to significant change provide strong foundations to build on as the season progresses. With valuable lessons learned, a strong set-piece and a growing team spirit, there is plenty to be excited about in the weeks ahead.