Silverware winners Portsmouth target league charge

PORTSMOUTH are keen to return to winning ways against New Milton & District in London three south west to build on their cup success.
Portsmouth are back to league dutyPortsmouth are back to league duty
Portsmouth are back to league duty

The Rugby Camp outfit lifted the Hampshire junior bowl by beating Southampton Trojans in a thrilling final.

This was an important boost after Portsmouth lost their last league game at Warlingham.

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Director of rugby Jim Pearce wants to see his side get back on the winning track in the league and use their success to drive them on.

He said: ‘After our excellent cup win we have to keep our momentum going.

‘We want to get the win which will keep the pressure on the leading two.

‘Earlier in the season we scored more than 70 points against New Milton and they have only won one game all season.

‘Despite this we must not take anything for granted.

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‘The weather and the state of pitches in recent weeks have been a great leveller.

‘At Warlingham we didn’t get our immediate pre-match preparations right.

‘That is something we intend to address.’

Full-back Stuart Davies is ruled out for the rest of the season because of a shoulder operation.

Player-coach Matt Farnes replaces him with Luke Simmons taking his place on the right-wing.

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In the front row Adam Parks is in for the unavailable Ian French.

Will Brock is nursing an ankle injury so Jack Easterbrook moves from second-row to wing-forward.

Darren Crabb expects to make his first start since picking up injury.

United Services Portsmouth will start as favourites to maintain their unbeaten record as they entertain Overton at Burnaby Road.

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With five games left to play Services hold an impressive 10-point lead at the top of Hampshire one.

‘The players are keen to win the title as soon as possible and maintain their 100-per-cent record at the same time,’ said Services player-coach Rich Neil.

In Hampshire two Southsea Nomads host Aldershot & Fleet at Furze Lane.

The Nomads are determined to improve upon the 57-0 loss to their visitors earlier in the season.

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Both teams will be looking to bounce back from defeats with Aldershot & Fleet losing 23-5 at home to Southampton and Nomads beaten 36-13 at Romsey.

Nomads are focused on trying to regain pride with a better performance in their match against their Hampshire opponents.