Gosport and Fareham under 15s A team v Havant

Games against Havant are always eagerly anticipated because they always result in a good rugby display. Today was no exception, made even more mouth watering because Havant only just missed out on qualifying for the cup quarter finals in last week's match. Havant's improvement from last season was evident from the first whistle.

With 2 out injured and another away on holiday, our threadbare team could have done without Connor hurting himself in the warm up! It was probably his body's self defence mechanism kicking into gear in shock at Connor attempting what he claimed was a sidestep. Down to 1 substitute before we'd started, but in the end Connor had recovered enough to join in for the 2nd half.

Both teams started strongly but the early scoring went in favour of the hosts as Havant took advantage of 2 penalties to lead 6 - 0. With Havant playing some very intelligent rugby, the Gos lads couldn't afford any lapses in concentration or the game would run away from them. Time and again our attacks were stopped by consistently strong Havant tackling and twice, when Gosport looked certain to score, the scramble defence offered by Havant was outstandingly effective and we were snuffed out. Eventually, when the line was breached, it proved to be the turning point of the day. At 7 - 6 ahead, Gos took charge with the final score 29 - 6. High points of the day include a much better display in support from all, but especially the forwards. Strong performances from Wurly and Shotgun make for some healthy competition in the pack and offering faster, better protected ball at the breakdown today enabled another strong day for Mattman. A truly wonderful try for a flying Jake E, backed up by a try saving tackle late in the game made it well worth him getting out of bed today. A barnstorming run from Ethan that saw him outsprint most of Havant ... and all of his own team, capped off a great game from him, made even more notable when Havant nominated him as their man of the match. From a Gos coaching perspective, the final mention needs to go to Dudz for an even stronger than usual performance in all areas of play. A very good performance!

On the not so good front, we lost Chris to a broken nose which he earned by trying to occupy the same space at the same time Jake Moseley was already in it. Still, at least he's now got an honourable excuse if he fails to win a modelling contract Mattman also got trodden on at the final whistle but apart from that, no new injuries. Last thought goes out to Bear, who so nearly finally got on the scoreboard but was thwarted by a penalty being awarded. Never mind Brad!

Next up, Winchester away.