Dreadnoughts lauded after win at Pumas

PORTSMOUTH Dreadnoughts head coach Luke Head-Rapson praised his team after an outstanding 36-0 win against Maidstone Pumas.

It was a second win of the season for the Havant Rugby Club-based side.

Now coach Head-Rapson is hoping they can push on and get more victories under their belt.

He said: ‘It is amazing to have won. Every time you get a win it’s a good feeling.

‘This win was important as it gets us back on track, after dropping the Berkshire Renegades game.

‘Hopefully we can push forward to finish the season on a good note and have a winning season – that was our goal from the offset.

‘Last year we were 2-8 so the hope is that we can build on last season.’

The game in Maidstone started slow for the Dreadnoughts, who were playing after a weeks break.

The offence failed to gain points on third and goal in the opening minutes of the match, with a fumble giving Maidstone the ball.

But the home side failed to capitalise and a quiet first quarter finished with no points on the board.

However, the Dreadnoughts changed that in the second-quarter with a touchdown from full-back Will Purkiss.

He ran 30 yards to the end zone and converted the two points to get the Dreadnoughts leading 8-0.

At the start of the third quarter, free-safety Joe Perry intercepted the ball to give the Dreadnoughts first down and goal.

They gained six yards from the following play and ran the ball into the end zone on second down.

The side failed to convert the two points and finished the quarter 14-0 up.

The start of the final quarter saw the visitors extend their lead, with running-back James Newman getting a touchdown from third down.

The two points were also gained to make the score 22-0.

Strong play saw the Dreadnoughts dominate the remaining time left on the clock and they were able to score another touchdown to make the score 28-0.

With the two-minute warning announced, quarterback Stu Rees ran the ball on third down to get the last touchdown of the game.

The two points were scored and the match finished 36-0.

The Dreadnoughts now have another weeks break before facing East Kent Mavericks, who they lost 17-6 to earlier in the season.

Head-Rapson said: ‘I hope East Kent come out and play hard.’

– ELLIE PILMOOR