Portsmouth frustrated Trojans clashed postponed

Portsmouth were left frustrated by Trojans’ decision to call off their Hampshire Bowl semi-final 24 hours before the game.
Portsmouth coach Neil McRoberts. Picture: Neil Marshall (180908-075)Portsmouth coach Neil McRoberts. Picture: Neil Marshall (180908-075)
Portsmouth coach Neil McRoberts. Picture: Neil Marshall (180908-075)

The last-four clash was cancelled on Friday, with the cold weather the reason cited. 

The Norway Road outfit offered alternative arrangements to get the game played – with Havant’s 4G pitch at Hooks Lane an option.

This was declined by their opponents, however.

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Senior coach Neil McRoberts said: ‘We find it all a bit frustrating.

‘There is no reason why the game couldn't have been played.

‘To call the game off so early was a surprise because everyone could see the weather forecast for Saturday was nothing but sunshine.

‘We even organised to play the game on the all-weather pitch at Havant but Trojans didn't want to do that.

‘The players were very frustrated because they had spent all week preparing for it.

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‘They were particularly keen to play again after the disappointing league defeat at Warlingham.

‘Not playing the game causes a few problems.

‘We are still in three competitions and face a bit of a fixture backlog.

‘That is the last thing we need pushing for promotion in the league.

‘If everything goes as we hope it means we won't have a free weekend between now and the end of the season.

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‘This means the Hampshire competition might have to be played out of season which isn't ideal.

‘I think Hampshire RFU need to have a look at this because they are encouraging local clubs to support their competitions.

‘Being a great advocate of the Hampshire competitions, I think it is an unfortunate situation.’

Portsmouth travel to Old Tiffinians in London three south west on Saturday.