Gosport's Young Vets Edge Out Services Ancient Mariners
Gosport and Fareham’s youth triumphed over the Services experience in the Soapy Watson Memorial game. Bright sunshine and a good crowd saw both sides line up for a minute’s ovation to our absent friend. It appeared Soapy was looking down on the match as no sooner had the whistle blown for the Kick off then the heavens’ opened treating the players to a 20 minute downpour of rain and hail. Gosport took advantage of this and scored an early try, which Kev Ayres converted. (5-0) Services vintage midfield of Pocklington, Blackett and Sheldon combined well to set pocket rocket Penfold free down the right wing, despite some sustained pressure Services failed to score. Gosport increased their lead after Services spilled the ball during a counter attack. (14 -0) Two scores down Services started rolling subs and Steve Lee finished a fine move to bring them back into the game. HT G& F 14 - US 5 Gosport began the scoring early in the second half and were dominating in the lose play around the fringes, despite this Services fought back and Lee went over for his second try. (21-10) The Gosport forwards were really on top and pushed a 5 yard scrum over the line and were awarded another try. (27- 10). Services were to have the final say after introducing Robert Watson on as a sub his scintillating run led to a try and he was there to land the conversion for the final score of the game. Final G &F 27 – US 17 On behalf of Lynn Watson I would like to thank ‘Boots’ Bateson and Big John from G&F for making the happen and all players and spectators who turned out. It was a good well contested game played in the style and spirit befitting of the memory of our ‘old oppo’ Steve ‘Soapy’ Watson. The picture shows Lynn Watson amongst the Services aging back line of Shelley Sheldon, Geoff Blackett, Bob Penfold, Glyn Mortley and John Pocklington – disappointed to be handing over the trophy to Gosport and Fareham..... Bring on the rematch