Gosport & Fareham crash'¦Â Heathens lose to old foes

Gosport & Fareham's poor start to the season continued with a disappointing 48-0 London two south west defeat at Eastleigh on Saturday.
James Whitfield scored the only points for Fareham Heathens. Picture: Keith WoodlandJames Whitfield scored the only points for Fareham Heathens. Picture: Keith Woodland
James Whitfield scored the only points for Fareham Heathens. Picture: Keith Woodland

It was a second successive defeat for the Gosport Park outfit.

And a match head coach George Hillan is keen to forget.

'˜It was a very disappointing day for all concerned with the club,' he said.

'˜We went into the game full of confidence and optimism.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

'˜During the week we looked sharp in two successful training sessions with record numbers (more than 60) attending.

'˜Our pre-match preparations went well and we looked ready for the challenge.

'˜We started well with some good phases of continuity and got into a good field position.

'˜After a turnover at our line-out, though, Eastleigh scored the opening try.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

'˜This affected our self-belief and confidence and we never really recovered.

'˜There are areas we need to concentrate on as a coaching team and as a collective.

'˜It is important we put this behind us and focus on our next game.'

Fareham Heathens failed to break their Sandown & Shanklin hoodoo as they suffered a 31-7 Hampshire premier defeat at Cams Alders.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It has been a while since Heathens last got the better of the Hurricanes.

Head coach Dave Wheaton said: '˜After winning our opening game we went into it in a buoyant mood.

'˜Unfortunately we never got going and Sandown put us on the back foot from the start.

'˜Their well-drilled ball carriers broke the gain line and scored a quick try to leave us in shock.'

'˜We knew this was always going to be a test for us.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

'˜It is just disappointing because we know we can play much better.'

Heathens' only points came from a well-executed catch-and-drive line-out try by James Whitfield.

Locks Heath Pumas picked up their first win with a 22-13 success at Ventnor.

Tries from Josh Adams and Robbie Connell in the opening 12 minutes gave the Pumas an early lead.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They led 17-3 at the interval courtesy of a Sam Floyd try, which converted by Robbie Connell.

The second half saw the Pumas contain their hosts and secure a bonus point with a debut try from Alex Heron.