Pumas roar to the top of Hampshire One – but it’s very tight in the battle for promotion

Locksheath Pumas stormed to the top of the Hampshire 1 table after extending their unbeaten run to 11 matches.
Robbie Connell scored a try and landed a conversion as Pumas defeated Ventnor to hit top spot in Hampshire One. Picture: Neil Marshall.Robbie Connell scored a try and landed a conversion as Pumas defeated Ventnor to hit top spot in Hampshire One. Picture: Neil Marshall.
Robbie Connell scored a try and landed a conversion as Pumas defeated Ventnor to hit top spot in Hampshire One. Picture: Neil Marshall.

With previous leaders Chichester 2nds inactive due to the weather, Pumas took full advantage with a 22-14 home victory over Ventnor.

Pumas chairman George Winch said: ‘It was a tough game.

‘The conditions were tough in parts and the strong wind made the ball going to hand difficult.

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‘But as a squad the Pumas can be proud ... winning key games and getting a bonus point is critical.

‘This league is very tight with only six points between us and fifth place.’

Pumas started strongly and opened the scoring through hooker John Pearson inside two minutes after a pass from lock Jamie McTaggart.

Ventnor hit back to take the lead with a converted try on 23 minutes.

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With the wind against them, Pumas kept trying to break though the Ventnor defence, but the visitors stood up well and closed the half out with the lead intact.

Some tactical changes were made at half-time and the Pumas started strongly with the forwards making Ventnor work hard.

Pressure told on 47 minutes when McTaggart scored a try converted by Robbie Connell.

But Ventnor were not finished and scored a converted try for a 14-12 lead.

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With 12 minutes to go, flanker Sam Floyd was quickest to the ball in the middle of the field following a disruptive tackle.

He kicked through and controlled the ball to touch down over the line and bring the Pumas back into the lead.

It was the Pumas who got the bonus point through winger Connell scoring out wide with the last play of the match.

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