Portsmouth Valkyries enjoy derby win at Havant Ladies

Portsmouth Valkyries enjoyed derby delight with a 29-19 win against rivals Havant Ladies at Hooks Lane.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Oct 2018, 13:06 BST
Updated 8th Oct 2018, 14:09 BST
Havant's Daisy Atkinson is stopped in her tracks by Sandy Newsham. Picture: Ian HargreavesHavant's Daisy Atkinson is stopped in her tracks by Sandy Newsham. Picture: Ian Hargreaves
Havant's Daisy Atkinson is stopped in her tracks by Sandy Newsham. Picture: Ian Hargreaves

In a hard-fought encounter the visitors had Sandy Newsham sent off in the second half for a high tackle.

Portsmouth were in command during the first half and opened up 17-0 lead by the break.

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They were able to capitalise on their dominance, particularly in the scrums.

Chloe Stopard-Baker opened the scoring on 13 minutes and second row forward Amy Dare soon followed up with a second

On the half-hour full-back Izzie Rawlinson stretched the lead with a third try converted by Stoppard-Baker.

The second half started in the same vain with Cheryl Goodwin going under the posts for another Portsmouth try.

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At this point Havant launched a fightback and a hat-trick of tries from Abby Pearson got them to within a score of the visitors.

Despite the straight red card for Newsham, Portsmouth sealed the win with a late try by Sophie Roseaman.

Portsmouth coach Mark Witcher was proud of his team.

He said: '˜We deserved the win against tough opponents.

'˜I am proud of the way we dug in after conceding three quick tries late on.

'˜Hopefully the win will help us carry our momentum on for the rest of the season.'

Related topics:Portsmouth