Havant miss out as Chobham capitalise on gifts

The visitors gifted the home side two interception tries which ended up making all the difference.

Senior coach Will Knight was pleased with many aspects of the performance from his side.

But he was frustrated they didn’t come away with a win.

‘We played some outstanding rugby and put Chobham under a lot of pressure,’ said Knight.

‘Unfortunately we gifted them 14 points.

‘Once again we have more than matched a top side and not come away with a win.

‘The next step is to turn from valiant performers to winners in these games.

‘We are more than good enough to do that but we need to show greater belief.

‘It is important we develop a greater mental toughness.

‘In this game we were the team that looked to play all the rugby but again lacked precision at crucial moments.’

Despite making a good start Havant found themselves 19-0 in arrears heading towards half-time.

‘We found ourselves looking down the barrel despite playing the more expansive and exciting rugby,’ said Knight.

‘Credit to Chobham, though, who just played to their strengths.’

Jerome Trail got Havant on the scoreboard with a good solo try which was converted by Joel Knight on the stroke of half-time.

After gifting Chobham another try at the start of the second half the visitors kept themselves in it when Nial Copeland strode over to score.

Chobham stretched their lead with another try but after that it was all Havant.

Knight stepped through for a try he converted and Richard Gumbleton bundled over for a bonus-point try.

However, Chobham hung on for the win.

Gosport & Fareham’s visit to Maidstone was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

The Hampshire one local derby between Locks Heath Pumas and Fareham Heathens was also called off.