Gos Lose Classic Encounter

Having remained unbeaten in the league all season Gosport & Fareham just failed to make the Grand Slam when they were beaten 29-27 by worthy Champions Overton.

Both teams started the game knowing that the victors would be crowned Champions of Hampshire U14 Division II and the considerable crowd in attendance added to the sense of occasion. Overton provided a superb pitch and excellent clubhouse facilities, and even laid on some magnificent weather to mark the special occasion.

The opening plays to the game were very tense as each team sized up their rivals but it was Overton who got into their stride first. A well taken penalty was followed by two tries to give the home side a commanding 15-0 lead approaching half time. However, Gos responded with a strong run and push-over by Reegan Hamilton, (who had replaced the injured and unlucky Michael Cathcart), to finish the first period 15-7 down.

The second half witnessed some of the best rugby seen this season with both sides playing fast, open, running rugby - the powerful forward play was matched by the skillful back moves. Overton were very strong and sharp in the rucks and mauls and Gos did well in the set piece scrums and line-outs. And it was Gos that bounced back with a spirited second half effort - Tom Batley, who has been so consistent this season, and Sean Pitt, who gave another great performance, scored tries for Gos. But, each time Overton replied with tries of their own and going into the final stages of the match the score stood at 29-17 to the home side.

Then Gosport & Fareham began to fire on all fronts - Charlie Smith so reliable at scrum-half provided quick ball and tackled tenaciously; Owen Brown at fly-half gave his best performance of the season; the excellent centre partnership of Sam Yeardley and Tom Batley started to find space with their probing runs; Craig Taylor and Harry Haggard rousing their fellow forwards Louis Oldfield and Reegan Hamilton to dominate the pack play; the battling defensive tackles from Tom Winter and George Firth both of whom seemed to be everywhere; Lewis Evans constantly worried the opposition's defence with his speed; Scott Plows was formidable in the line-outs, and David Allot- Nickerson and Dom Philo sweeping up everything at the rear. Even the late replacements proved their worth - Mesha Solanki and Jack Gander (making his debut) played their part and battled well for the team.

With time seemingly running out Reegan Hamilton scored his second try of the game, reaching the line with the solid support of Harry Haggard and Sean Pitt. Still trailing 29-22, Gos were quickly on the attack again after the restart and a fine solo effort from Lewis Evans flying down the wing made the score 29-27 to a rapturous ovation from the travelling supporters.

There was still time to restart but not enough time for Gosport to mount another attack and amidst all the clamour of the excited crowd the final whistle was blown - with Overton celebrating their well deserved victory and their status as League Champions.

Tries: Reegan Hamilton (2), Tom Batley, Sean Pitt, Lewis Evans
Conv: Lewis Evans
Man of the Match: Sean Pitt
Player(s) of the Day: ALL the Gosport & Fareham U14 squad
Prat in the Hat: Big Kev Holstead (Bloodgate)

Team: Taylor, Winter, Haggard, Cathcart/Hamilton, Plows/Solanki, Oldfield, Firth, Pitt, Smith, Brown, Yeardley, Batley, Evans, Allot- Nickerson /Gander, Philo. Replacements - Sparshott, Morris-Wilson