ROMSEY faced a strong Portsmouth 2nd XV in a rearranged league fixture at the Sports Centre knowing that a significant improvement in performance would be needed to win the game.

Unfortunately Romsey started as they have done several times this season by conceding two early unconverted tries. Romsey’s only scoring opportunity in the first quarter came when Portsmouth infringed but Eli Pitt narrowly missed the chance to reduce the deficit. Portsmouth then turned the tables and when Romsey were penalised for crossing the Portsmouth kicker was able to convert an easy penalty in front of the posts for a 15-0 lead.

Another sporadic Romsey attack saw them win a penalty and this time it was on target reducing the deficit to 15-3. Romsey were still in the game but were dealt another blow when a missed tackle led to a Portsmouth try just before half-time when the score was 20-3 to Portsmouth.

Romsey’s half time team talk paid dividends as they stormed back into the game, scoring their first try which went unconverted, closing the gap to 20-8 which was soon increased by another Portsmouth try. Romsey then had their best spell of the game and excellent handling brought their second try which this time was converted by Eli Pitt from out wide making the scores 25-15 and giving the spectators hope of a Romsey comeback. Sadly for Romsey it was not to be as Portsmouth stepped up a gear in the final quarter of the game scoring several tries leaving the final score at 46-15.

With the shock withdrawal of Farnborough from the league Romsey now sit anchored to the bottom and have much to do to improve their position and avoid relegation. However a number of games so far have been narrowly lost and with hard work, application and improved decision making there is still all to play for.