Romsey 1st XV fell to a narrow defeat against Guernsey 2nd XV despite their best performance of the season. 

The visitors were the fastest out of the blocks, as they showed their power and barrelled over underneath the posts within five minutes. The conversion was calmly slotted through the posts as the score read 0-7 to the Raiders.

Ten minutes later, the Roms were back on level terms courtesy of the dancing Will Davies who stepped his way inside before diving over just left of the posts. Fly-half Tom Stanford was on hand to add the extra two to level the scores at 7 points apiece.

The Raiders then unleashed their class once again; and despite a strong defensive effort from the Roms, quick hands off the base of the scrum helped find space on the flank for the Raiders winger to run in their second. The extra two were added to leave Romsey trailing 14-7.

Despite some strong attacking play from the Roms, they couldn’t quite find an opening, and the visitors capitalised through sharp, fast-paced attacking pressure. Following a charging run through the Romsey defence, a one-handed offload provided the opportunity for the Raider’s full-back to dive over in the corner. The conversion was missed leaving the score Romsey 12-19 Guernsey.

Guernsey’s bonus point try was almost a carbon copy of their second score. Quick hands across the backline once again produced space on the left wing with the Raiders’ winger taking full advantage and strolling over for his second of the game. This was the last major action of the half with Guernsey leading 24-12 at the break.

It was the home side who opened the second-half scoring as quick ball off the base of the scrum allowed Ioan Elliott to set up a fast-paced, dangerous attack down the right. Ricky Drewitt drew the Raiders defense in before finding his centre partner Ethan Hunt, who crashed over in the corner. Stanford dragged his conversion narrowly wide as Romsey trailed 24-20.

Following a successful penalty for Romsey, the Raiders hit back as their full-back ran over for his second and Guernsey’s fifth try of the afternoon. A successful conversion extended the visitors lead to nine points.

The final score of the game went the way of Guernsey as they extended their lead to 16 points. The Roms defensive unit were caught narrow, leaving space on the flanks once again and the Raiders took full advantage, as their winger strolled in to register the visitors sixth try of the afternoon to secure their seventh win of the season.

The Roms had one last effort to try secure their bonus point try, however, it was to be as the referee brought proceedings to a close after lock Oli Coburn was bundled into touch, with the final score Romsey 20-36 Guernsey.

Report by Marcus Mansfield