Portsmouth RFC complete ‘very pleasing’ January clean sweep

Senior coach Neil McRoberts is pleased with the way his team have responded after a difficult spell before the Christmas break.

'It was a very pleasing win against a well-organised Trojans outfit,' said McRoberts.

'We built on what we have achieved in our last few games.

'Each week we are adding different elements to our game.

'The first week was greater physicality, last week was patience and in this game a good rugby intelligence.

'We made sure that we played the game in the right areas of the pitch.'

Portsmouth, who started the game playing into a slight wind, made a positive start and were soon held up over the Trojans line.

The delay was only temporary, though, and from a good miss-pass move the ball went to Rob Lamberton who side-stepped his way to the try line.

He converted to open up a 7-0 lead in as many minutes.

Further chances went begging for the hosts, through either a knock-on or a dropped ball.

Eventually, the pressure told and from a line out Portsmouth were able to work the ball across field to Tom Hopkins who raced clear of the defence to score.

Jack Easterbrook received a yellow card and at half-time Portsmouth held a 14-7 lead.

Trojans were far from finished and at the start of the second period they levelledwith a second converted try.

The response was immediate and a good move ended with Hopkins outpacing the Trojans defence for his second try.

Soon afterwards Noah Cannon collected his own kick ahead to cross for Portsmouth's bonus point score.

A further score followed from number eight Rhys Bowen who dived over following a good drive.

The third successive win moved Portsmouth up to fourth, four points outside the top three.

Elsewhere in South-West Three, Gosport & Fareham dropped into the relegation zone with a 41-7 home defeat against Old Georgians.

The struggling Blue and Golds have won just twice all season.