Portsmouth aim to get on a roll... Crunch clash for Services

PORTSMOUTH are targeting back-to-back league wins for the first time this season with Twickenham the visitors to Rugby Camp tomorrow (2.30pm).
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Nov 2016, 06:00 BST
Updated 16th Nov 2016, 16:51 BST
Nathan Bond will be playing at centre for United Services. Picture: Keith WoodlandNathan Bond will be playing at centre for United Services. Picture: Keith Woodland
Nathan Bond will be playing at centre for United Services. Picture: Keith Woodland

The hosts moved out of the bottom two in London two south west with an excellent 20-17 win at London Exiles.

A similar win last season helped kick-start Portsmouth’s season.

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And they are hoping that will be the case again as they prepare to take on Twickenham.

Head coach Ben Dudley knows his team need to make sure they use their confidence gained from their win in London.

He said: ‘We played more of the rugby at London Exiles and deserved our win.

‘It is important we get ourselves in the right mindset again for this game.

‘We want to keep the momentum going with another win.’

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United Services are hoping to avoid a sixth successive London three south west defeat.

They are preparing to host Weybridge Vandals at Burnaby Road.

Services remain in a precarious position third from bottom in the league.

Director of rugby Matt Davis admits it is not where they want to be going into the new year.

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He’s confident they have the quality to start climbing the table.

‘We have got a good squad here but just need it to gel,’ said Davis.

‘At Farnham we played well but heads went down after we conceded a couple of tries in quick succession.

‘This is a crucial game against a team in mid-table.

‘With the two teams below us playing each other it is vital we get a win.

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‘If we don’t then we will find ourselves in the bottom two.’

Services are boosted by the return of a number of players.

Luke Davies is back at prop.

Scott Carter returns at outside-half and Nathan Bond is in the centre.

Southsea Nomads need to show a big improvement against Alton at Furze Lane if they are to beat Alton in Hampshire two.

Nomads lost 22-3 at previously winless Southampton.

Player-coach Mike Westall is expecting a reaction.

‘In the build up to Christmas we have a number of tough fixtures that will require players to step forward and prove their worth,’ said Westall.

‘There is lots to work on at training, but the progression from last season is immense.

‘The players should take strength from that.’

Related topics:PortsmouthLondonTwickenham