New Milton RFC fight until the end in losing Hampshire Counties One match against powerful Portsmouth RFC
Hampshire Counties One
New Milton RFC 6
Portsmouth RFC 36
NEW Milton Rugby Club endured a tough day when they came up against a physical Portsmouth side at Norman’s Way.
The young side battled hard and played some great rugby but was on the wrong end of a 37-6 scoreline.
Despite the loss leaving New Milton rock bottom of the Hampshire Counties One league table with just one victory from eight games, the players never quit and fought until the last moment.
The hosts had some excellent moments in Portsmouth’s 22. However, after one particular occasion, a slick break meant they conceded 30 seconds later – somewhat summing up the afternoon.
Although Portsmouth deserves credit for a strong showing, some of the watching crowd felt they showed a lack of class when trying to get Sam Bew sent off.
The reverse ended up happening, with Portsmouth captain and number eight Aaron Beesley sent off seconds before the final whistle after a bust-up.
Typically, players from both sides shook hands convivially once the final whistle blew.
After the match, the Strongmen man-of-the-match award went to Dalton Thomas, who Devan Wright sponsors.
New Milton will hope for a better result next time they travel to face Basingstoke on Saturday.
New Milton: H. Chung, L. Booker, G. Shortland, J. Corbett, G. Warne, S. Bew, L. Minardi, L. Thompson, A. Lavis, D. Thomas, J. Eldridge, A. Bolter-Jackson, W. Meek, N. Smith, N. Miller. Subs: R. Pearce, R. Richardson, P. Preez.
