HMNB Portsmouth 63 v 29 HMS York
HMNB Portsmouth took on HMS York at Clarence Pier in a friendly fixture, as HMS York had 10 players, the decision was made to play a ten's fixture, with HMNB Portsmouth lending 3 players to the York.
The fixture was aimed at future recruitment and talent spotting for the HMNB Portsmouth RFU squad. The HMNB Portsmouth team had never played together and the task of organising the team, on the pitch, was led by skipper ET Jones.
The team did well to work together and with some experienced players leading from the front, started too gelled well and grew stronger as the game went on. This was evident, with the backline communicating well, which posed a constant threat to the opposition.
The forwards also started to interlink well and achieved several phases of play. To their credit the York continued to contest all phases of play and even though the score line was out of reach, they created their own chances, which led to scoring opportunities.
Memorable moments of the match were AB Rawace's individual solo run blind side of the scrum and try. AB Shufflebotham completed an impressive individual 60 yard break and showed great athleticism, after being tackled just short of the try line he managed to reach out to score.
An interesting moment was when prop AB Wilton found himself on the wing and went on to score a memorable try. The game finished HMNB Portsmouth 63 - 29 HMS York. The game was enjoyed by all and controlled well by the referee.
HMNB Portsmouth Team
ET Sherriff, ET Pearce, AET Shufflebotham, LS Cumming, AB Smith, AB Whitney, LS Smith, ET Jones (CAPT), AB Rawace, AB Wilton, AB Vears, AB Mellor, ET Morris, ET Tag, AB Hall