Portsmouth Valkyries keep pressure on leaders with win at ReadingÂ

Portsmouth Valkyries kept up the pressure at the top of the National Championship south east west division one with a 27-3 victory at Reading Ladies.
Georgie Outhwaite scored in Portsmouth Valkyries' win at Reading.
Picture: Neil Marshall (171731-36)Georgie Outhwaite scored in Portsmouth Valkyries' win at Reading.
Picture: Neil Marshall (171731-36)
Georgie Outhwaite scored in Portsmouth Valkyries' win at Reading. Picture: Neil Marshall (171731-36)

The second-placed Valkyries remain hot on the heels of leaders London Welsh with a game in hand.

Although the scoreline suggests the visitors ran out easy winners, Mark Witcher admitted his team had to work to claim the spoils.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And the senior coach was delighted with the application Portsmouth displayed in Berkshire. 

He said: '˜It was a tough game against good opposition.

'˜Reading have a big, strong, packed runners outside. It was a real test for us but we came through it well.

'˜Our forwards faced a big, physical challenge and stood up to it.

'˜This keeps our winning run going and the girls deserved it because they are working ever so hard.

'˜We had more than 30 girls at training during the week.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

'˜Although it is going well we are determined not to rest on our laurels.

'˜It looks like it is going to be us and London Welsh vying for the title.'

Portsmouth made an excellent start, scoring a converted try inside the opening five minutes.

Following some good phase play, number-eight Sophie Rosaman went over for the try.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Reading hit back with a penalty and the game then developed into a close-fought contest.

Rosaman was prominent with some excellent carries and added a second try to extend the visitors lead, however. 

Outside-half Suzanne Holbrook also had an influential game as the Valkyries pushed to stretch their advantage.

They managed to do so, with centre Bronwyn Jacobs securing a third try.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Fellow centre Georgie Outhwaite cut some sharp lines of running and was also rewarded with a try.

For a spell, Reading put the visitors under sustained pressure but their defence held firm to repel the Berkshire outfit.

In the final few minutes winger Rachel Kidner scored Portsmouth's final try in the corner.

The Valkyries are entering an important period between now and Christmas.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The development squad are in action against Winchester Ladies next weekend. 

Seven days later the senior team travel to face Rosslyn Park Ladies.

In the final game before Christmas they visit Lewes in the RFU Intermediate Cup.

Witcher believes the trip to Sussex will be a barometer to see where the Valkyries are.

'˜Lewes play one league higher so it will be an opportunity to see how far we have come,' added the senior coach.Â