Burns rolls back the years for United Services
Simon Burns
coach Simon Burns played a starring role on the field as United Services enjoyed a terrific 25-5 win over Hampshire one leaders Fordingbridge at Burnaby Road.
The 42-year old ex-Havant prop forward crowned a superb display by crashing over for a late try to rekindle the Sailors’ promotion hopes.
US got off to a blistering start with winger Nick Bentley scoring an opportunist try inside the first minute.
Outside half Andy Webster added the conversion.
Fordingbridge hit back with a try of their own but the home side then took charge.
Lithuanian international forward Dainius Baltrukenaas used his power to burst through the visitors defence inside the twenty-two to score under the posts.
Webster kicked the conversion and added two penalties at the start of the second half.
The contest developed into a physical battle with neither side giving any quarter.
But Burns sealed the win for the home side 10 minutes from time.
Portsmouth slipped deeper into trouble in London one south after a 45-10 hammering at Trojans.
The city club are now third from bottom, with tough games against second and third-placed teams to come in the next fortnight.
‘We played like a struggling side,’ said coach Ian Chandler.
‘The performance lacked conviction and Trojans tore into us from the start.
‘We didn’t have an answer to them and before we knew it we found ourselves 28 points down.
‘After that it was damage limitation because the game was lost.
‘We were missing three first-choice forwards but Trojans were the better side and deserved their win.’
Adam Long grabbed the city club’s consolation try with Andy Barnes scoring a penalty and a conversion.
Depleted Southsea Nomads conceded seven tries in a 79-0 Hampshire one mauling at Eastleigh.
Fareham Heathens moved up to third in Hampshire two with a 37-7 win over Chineham at Cams Alders.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 14 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
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Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South
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