Portsmouth continue fine form '“ but Services hot on their heelsÂ

Neil McRoberts lauded a fantastic Portsmouth performance that saw them power to a 42-12 London three south west win at Teddington.
Portsmouth coach Neil McRoberts. Picture: Neil MarshallPortsmouth coach Neil McRoberts. Picture: Neil Marshall
Portsmouth coach Neil McRoberts. Picture: Neil Marshall

The Rugby Camp side recorded a fourth straight victory and moved up to second in the table. 

McRoberts is pleased with the way his side keep on progressing.

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The coach said: '˜The team put into practice everything that we have been talking about.

'˜They were abrasive and aggressive in defence.

'˜When they attacked they showed the patience that had been missing in previous games.

'˜As a result, they realised when you keep going through the phases scores will come.

'˜We also started well and maintained the intensity to secure the bonus point before half-time.

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'˜They have set the bar and the challenge now is to maintain that standard.

'˜If they can do that then we won't be far away from what we want to achieve.'

Meanwhile, United Services are breathing down Portsmouth's neck in third place after winning 29-24 at Old Whitgiftians.

Player-coach Rich Neil was delighted to grind out a maiden away victory of the campaign.  

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'˜It was good to dog out a five-point win despite playing quite poorly at times,' he said.

'˜Getting a first win on the road was also a positive.'

Outside-half Owen Herbert grabbed a brace of tries, with Arthur Robinson and Alex Smith also crossing for a try apiece.

Southsea Nomads pushed unbeaten Havant III all the way but fell to 22-21 loss in Hampshire two at Furze Lane.

The hosts felt they were unlucky to be denied a try at the death.

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In the final minute Jonathan Branston powered through two defenders to put the ball down on the line.

However, the referee was unsighted and ruled he had been held up, disallowing the score.

Skipper Ben Horrod said: '˜It was a strong performance from us.

'˜Our opponents came into the game unbeaten and having chalked up some big scores.

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'˜We started slowly but once we got into the match we caused a very experienced Havant side lots of problems.

'˜It is a shame our try in the final minute wasn't given.

'˜To push Havant so close shows the character in our team.'

 

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