Gosport and Fareham Rugby Football Club - GFRFC

A short April shower preceded this friendly at Gosport Park but from then on the weather was kind and the stage was set for a good and competitive game between the Hampshire and Dorset clubs. Much to their delight, Gos found themselves playing on the first team pitch and they duly rose to the occasion..
The opening quarter was played mainly in the Gosport half and the home team were subjected to wave upon wave of attacks by the visitors. Defending well in all positions. Gradually, the boot of Sam Whitehead improved the field position and Gos started to make some attacking moves of their own. Following up a fine charge by Nathan Harris, the ball was worked out to the right of the ensuing maul and Robert Smith made a fine charge for the line. Unfortunately he was tackled just short and there followed a series of mauls and rucks before the pack drove the ball over.
Robert scoring the try. Sam's conversion attempt hitting the upright.
Following the restart, Gosport were again attacking in their opponent's 22 when the referee pinged Wimborne for offside in front of the posts. Sam Whitehead calmly stroking the ball over for the points.
There then followed a period of exciting play with the boot playing a significant part in the action. Wimborne to their credit were always ready to run the ball back at us and it was only the do or die attitude of the defenders that kept them out.
Eventually they did manage to cross the Gosport line when Matt Fish scored a fine try in the left corner. This wasn't converted. Halftime Gosport & Fareham 8 Wimborne 5
In the second half Robert (shin splints) was replaced at 8 by Matt Hutt and several other positions were substituted as the half progressed.
The pack continued to play well, if a little slowly , and the backs started to spread the ball wide. Sam Whitehead, Sam McGreggor, and Matt Hutt all made sparkling runs
as did Nathan Harris and the two Ryans. All penetrating deep into the Wimborne half and at great speed. Karl Simpkin and Conan made aggressive bursts and there was one superb hand - off by Conan which caused the crowd to gasp collectively.
The pressure eventually started to take it's toll and Wimborne were starting to flag.
Following a fine move by Ryan and Sam the ball was worked to Nathan Harris.
He had already made several good individual breaks in the game but was often isolated from the support, however this time he held his nerve and skilfully rounded the fullback to score. The extras being scored easily by Sam.
There then followed a purple patch for Gofs and another penalty was stroked over by Sam. Robert retook the field on the right wing and put his speed and strength to good effect when, following a blind side move and some very determined efforts, buffaloed his way through to score a fine try.
The last ten minutes saw more changes in the Gosport pack and the unfamiliarity among them started to show. Wimborne fought on bravely to the end and following a period of intense pressure scored to the right of the posts through Luke Clarke.
Matt Fish adding the extras with the last kick of the game.
A special word of mention should go to new player Dan who played his first ever full game at tight head. Although a bit unsure of the laws occasionally, he more than held his own . Well done to both teams, it was a very good game, very sportingly played.
Final score Gosport & Fareham 23 Wimborne 12

Sam Whitehead sprints away.

Conan on the attack.

Jacob and Marc  about to pounce.

This one got away.

Matt & Ryan at the lineout.

Charlie Potter sparkes a backs move.

Ryan takes this well.

Matt Hutt again in sparkling form

Sam McGreggor makes a strong charge up the middle.

Alan leads the way this time.

Sam Whitehead is elusive at 10.

Ryan beat this chap.

Nathan Harris scores a fine try.

And are we pleased?

We never stop now!

My cup is overflowing! Ryan after Nathan's try!