New Milton continue to climb table with Fareham win

Hampshire Premier: Fareham Heathens 16-29 New Milton RFC

JOHN Wood’s tenure as New Milton RFC co-ordinator got off to a positive start as his side saw off Fareham Heathens 29-16 away from home.

In the first half, Milton’s forwards were quickly into action creating pressure in the Fareham 22-metre line, and from a scrum, the ball was pushed towards the line with Sam Bew breaking through to touch down.

Shortly after, New Milton doubled their lead when Fareham decided to take a quick free-kick and pass along their backs.

Tom Gould was able to intercept a pass and ran in from halfway to score. Fareham were awarded a penalty which they converted, and the game remained close until the half-time.

In the second period, Fareham were quickly into the New Milton 22, and a penalty was converted. Following more attacking pressure, the hosts knocked over another penalty and scored a try to take the lead.

However, New Milton responded well and following a kick to touch from a penalty they worked good possession from their backs which was finished off by Gould for his brace and Adam Lavis kicked the extras.

Fareham were fired up and their forwards gained a penalty from the scrum which they took quickly to catch New Milton off guard and score.

With 10 minutes left and only one point ahead, Milton took control. They gained possession and a scrum on the Fareham 22, Tom Wood took the ball and broke for the line passing to Jude Payne who ran in to score with Lavis converting.

From the kick-off, a penalty gave Milton a line-out in the Fareham half and the forwards worked well to push for the line with Bew claiming his second and capping off a 29-16 victory.

New Milton RFC: D. Smith, L. Booker, S. Bew, J. Corbett, B. Steers, L. Royley, M. Santa-Maria, T. Wood, J. O’Regan, A. Lavis, J. Lines, N. Smith, T. Gould, J. Payne, C. Coombs, C. Wood, T. Hynd, R. Morrell.