All smiles as New Milton RFC dominate Havant in high-scoring game

Hampshire Premier: New Milton RFC 65-44 Havant II

NEW Milton RFC got off to a flying start in 2020 with a dominant display in a high-scoring affair against Havant II.

The hosts expected a tough task against a strong Havant side which put them to the sword in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.

In the first half, New Milton took a deserved lead with tries from Tom Gould, Ryan Morrell, Dale Smith putting them in the driving seat. Charlie Jewiss capped off an excellent display with a powerful run from 30 metres out to score, which was excellently converted by Adam Lavis.

The second half brought early Havant pressure which resulted in several penalties, but New Milton’s defence held strong.

Havant were down to 14 men 10 minutes into the second half for pulling down in the line-out. From the resulting penalty, Tom Wood surged past several Havant defenders and bundled over the line.

Morrell took over the kicking duties as Lavis went off injured and converted the try to put New Milton 34-11 ahead. The hosts continued to use the one-man advantage, and Morrell added another converted try minutes later after a good offload from Ben Steers.

Another cynical penalty from Havant resulted in a swift line-out move that Steers finished clinically. New Milton were in full flow and their attacking style induced another Wood try.

Havant replied with three quick tries, but Gould came back to put the game beyond doubt with his second of the game.

A few late cards gave Sammy Hattab room to run which set up substitute Chris Conacher for the final score of the game to hand the hosts a resounding 65-44 victory. After the game, Havant named New Milton forward Jack Corbett man of the match.

Seventh-placed New Milton will travel to the Isle of Wight on Saturday to face Sandown & Shanklin.