The 'massive' task facing Portsmouth if they are to end Reed Weybridge's perfect league record

Portsmouth face a huge test of character as they travel to take on London Three South West leaders Reeds Weybridge.
Portsmouth head coach Neil McRoberts. Picture: Neil Marshall (180908-075)Portsmouth head coach Neil McRoberts. Picture: Neil Marshall (180908-075)
Portsmouth head coach Neil McRoberts. Picture: Neil Marshall (180908-075)

Senior coach Neil McRoberts accepts his team face a daunting challenge.

The table-toppers have a perfect league record this term, having won all 14 matches to date.

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‘This will be a massive test of our mettle and resolve,’ said McRoberts.

‘Our hosts have won 14 league games in a row and possess all the hallmarks of being a very good side.

‘It is a challenge we must look to embrace and be prepared to go there and get stuck in from the off.

‘Having played them already once this season, we know they are a team you cannot afford to sit off and let run at you.

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‘We will need to play with a high tempo from the start and look to frustrate them.

‘At the same time, we are capable of playing good rugby ourselves.

‘The predicted weather conditions might work in our favour.

‘They are a side that like to get the ball out wide and we can't afford to get dragged into a broken game.

‘We must look to carry close to the gain-line when we have possession.

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‘Certainly, when we do have the ball, we won't be able to afford coughing it up cheaply.’

Portsmouth add just one player to their squad from that named for the postponed game against Weybridge Vandals last weekend.

Daniel Fleming comes into the second row for a rare appearance as his game time has been limited due to medical duties at the QA Hospital.

He has National League experience with Worthing and will be a big asset to the Portsmouth pack.

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‘Daniel is good in the line-out and dynamic around the pitch,’ said McRoberts.

‘He played a couple of games for us in January when we had a good winning run.’

Mid-table Portsmouth are looking to avoid a third successive defeat.

In the Hampshire Premier, relegation-battlers Fareham Heathens host Ellingham & Ringwood at Cams Alders.

Heathens are 11 points clear of bottom-club Farnborough, but have played one more game.

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