Portsmouth have league leaders in their sights

Portsmouth are relishing the chance to have a crack at London two south west leaders Cobham at Rugby Camp tomorrow (2pm).
Tom Hankey   Picture: Mick YoungTom Hankey   Picture: Mick Young
Tom Hankey Picture: Mick Young

Since losing their opening three games of the campaign, including a defeat at Cobham, Portsmouth have lost only once.

Ben Dudley’s team have climbed to third in the league and confidence is high.

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Dudley feels his team are a much different proposition to what they were at the start of the season.

‘This will be another interesting test for us,’ said Dudley.

‘We lost quite heavily at Cobham in difficult circumstances.

‘After conceding a couple of early interception tries that left us chasing the game.

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‘I didn’t feel the final scoreline reflected the game but having said that Cobham are very dangerous opponents.’

The home side make a couple of changes from the team who won at Winchester last week.

Tom Hankey comes in at tight-head prop in place of Ryan Wilkie who is away.

Darren Leggett returns to the second row after recovering from injury which has kept him out since the middle of November.

He takes the place of Rob Giquel who has picked up a knock.

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They make just one change in the three-quarters where Alex Duffs comes in for the injured Curtis Barnes.

‘The win at Winchester means we are under no pressure for this one,’ said Dudley.

‘Whatever happens, we will remain in the top five.’

In London south west three, United Services Portsmouth are hoping to return to winning ways against Battersea Ironsides at Burnaby road (2pm).

Services are looking to bounce back from their defeat at Old Mid-Whitgiftian in the first game after the mid-season break.

‘It was not our best performance,’ said coach Matt Davis.

‘We were outplayed by a team who weren’t great themselves.’

Southsea Nomads return from their mid-season break with a Hampshire two encounter against Aldershot & Fleet at Furze Lane (2pm).

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