Head-Rapson: Dreadnoughts will learn from defeat

LUKE HEAD-RAPSON hopes Portsmouth Dreadnoughts can learn from their last opposition and get back to winning ways.
Portsmouth Dreadnoughts lost to Berkshire. Picture: Mick Young (6160492-05)Portsmouth Dreadnoughts lost to Berkshire. Picture: Mick Young (6160492-05)
Portsmouth Dreadnoughts lost to Berkshire. Picture: Mick Young (6160492-05)

The team lost their third game of the season on Sunday against the Berkshire Renegades during their first home game at new ground Havant Rugby Club.

They suffered a 30-0 defeat and coach Head-Rapson said: ‘The injuries we suffered were worse than the loss itself.

‘Berkshire are very good side and were more switched on.

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‘They moved the ball consistently and we did not execute and play like we know we can.

‘Hopefully we can get it back together to compete with them in the away fixture and show them what we are made of.’

The game started quietly with both offences struggling to get up the field towards their end zone.

But a couple of first downs for Berkshire saw them on first down at the 20-yard line.

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With the next play, they managed to pass the ball into the end zone.

The resulting kick saw them take the lead 7-0.

As the second quarter drew to a close, the away side extended their lead with the extra point gained making the scoreline 14-0.

And despite strong play by the Dreadnoughts defence in the second-half, Berkshire scored again.

The attempt at an extra point was good and they went into the third-quarter leading 21-0.

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A strong run by Dreadnoughts’ John Cowen saw the team push forward only for the play to be flagged and the offense to be pushed back to second down and 20.

On the fourth down, the Dreadnoughts gave away a safety giving Berkshire a lead of 23-0.

When the offense took the field again, they failed to capitalise on their position with Berkshire taking advantage to score their fourth and final touchdown of the game.

Coach Head-Rapson is now looking to their next match on June 5 away to Maidstone Pumas.

The team will be determined to show they are improving.

It will be a chance to put Sunday’s defeat behind them.

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He added: ‘Hopefully we can learn from the Berkshire game as they play similarly to Maidstone.

‘If we prepare well enough and gain something from playing an offence that’s similar, we should be able to win the game.’