Locksheath Pumas stretch unbeaten run with ‘great’ win against Fawley

Locksheath Pumas stretched their unbeaten record to nine matches with an excellent 24-20 home win against Fawley.
By Kevin Ricketts
Published 26th Jan 2020, 16:49 BST
Updated 26th Jan 2020, 17:07 BST
Robbie Connell was among the tryscorers for Locksheath Pumas in their win against Fawley. Picture: Neil MarshallRobbie Connell was among the tryscorers for Locksheath Pumas in their win against Fawley. Picture: Neil Marshall
Robbie Connell was among the tryscorers for Locksheath Pumas in their win against Fawley. Picture: Neil Marshall

The win moves Pumas up to third in Hampshire One and within three points of second-placed Chichester II.

Pumas fell behind to an early penalty but hit back when wing-forward Olly Eggins collected a bouncing ball near the touchline to cross for his first try of the season.

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Both teams worked hard up front but on 23 minutes the home side stretched their lead through a converted try by Robbie Connell.

Fawley hit back and reduced the deficit to two points.

The game increased in intensity after the break with the Pumas forwards starting to dominate the scrums and breakdowns.

Nick Destefano claimed a converted try but, at 19-15, there was still all to play for.

Pumas grabbed their vital score on 70 minutes when lock-forward Jamie McTaggart powered over for a try

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Head player-coach Liam Moggeridge said: ‘It was a hard-fought match and I was pleased by our low penalty count.

'We never allowed Fawley to control the match other than in the last 10 minutes when we defended superbly.

'Though we take things game by game, this certainly was a match that could define where we finish.

'It was a great match to watch and the players all agreed it was a great match to play in.

'Fawley never gave up and pushed us hard all the way.'

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In Hampshire Two, Southsea Nomads produced a strong performance to trounce Basingstoke II 64-0 at Furze Lane.

Matt Smith and Josh Soper both notched try hat-tricks with Jonathan Branston, Alex Ness, John Titcombe, and Lee Welds also touching down.

Branston kicked one penalty and seven conversions.

Nomads captain,Ben Horrod enthused: ‘It was a strong performance and this is now the benchmark for how we need to play going forward.

‘The lads didn't take their foot off the gas and we scored some lovely tries by spreading the ball wide with speed.

'Whilst we scored 10 tries, I am more pleased with our defensive display and to stop an opposition scoring at all is brilliant.

'This is a credit to the lads’ focus and commitment to defending.'