The last time the Roms and Pompey faced off, the contrast in atmosphere could not have been starker. On that grim day in November, Portsmouth were reeling from a series of defeats, their spirits battered by the torrential downpour, making for a grim contest. Today, however, the scene is set for a different kind of battle. Portsmouth, now unbeaten in the new year, have entered the arena with the intent to strike down promotion hopefuls Romsey, on the warmest day the arena has witnessed thus far.
In their last home league battle of the season, the Romsey side has undergone significant changes since their brutal clash in Aldershot. With the likes of Brad Piper, Ben Powell, and Michael Streicher absent, the once steadfast pack and back line now appear reshuffled. Debutants, Scott Helyar and Richard Sumner, infuse fresh blood into the pack, while Aidan Cleland makes a rare appearance in the backline. These alterations set the stage for uncertainty. Will these changes destabilise Romsey’s resolve?
With a roar from the crowd, Matthew Pilbeam signals the start of the contest, and the Pompey defenders surge like lions, intent on claiming their prize – the ball. Their defensive line, a wall of defiance, stands firm, seemingly impenetrable. But Romsey, like warriors pressing forward, step up to the challenge. Wave after wave of attack crashes upon the Pompey lines. For ten minutes, Romsey chips away at the open field, seeking an opening. Then, a foul from Portsmouth – a high tackle – offers Romsey a penalty. Cleland, with calculated precision, kicks for touch, cutting deep into Pompey’s territory.
Romsey set up a maul from the lineout, but Pompey holds them back, like gladiators resisting the charge of an opposing force. But Romsey adapts. The backs are arranged deep and wide, ready to strike. Ioan Elliott secures the ball from the ruck, and in swift succession, it moves from Murrant to Cleland, to Beardsley, who targets the Pompey winger. A timely pass finds Dylan Scott, who charges across the line to score the first victory for Romsey. 5-0. With unshakable focus, Cleland hurls the ball through the posts, converting the try with icy composure. 7-0.
After the reset, Portsmouth rallies and recovers the ball with purpose. They are repelled for a moment, but a quick glance out wide finds their debutant, Joshua Mogaji, who accelerates, evading his pursuers to score in the corner. 7-5. A blow that would rattle many, but not Romsey. They immediately strike back. The backs, like seasoned warriors, manoeuvre the ball with elegance. Alfie Lawrence, ever watchful, intercepts a loose pass, which Jay Hodges scoops up and sprints clear to score another blow to the Pompey forces. 12-5. Once again, Cleland, cool as ever, sends the ball between the posts. 14-5. Despite having little possession, Romsey’s shape remains unyielding, a testament to their discipline.
Romsey begins to rampage forward. Line breaks come in quick succession, the sound of boots thundering against the turf, and Pompey defenders scramble to halt the onslaught. With each pass, the pressure builds, until finally, the walls of Portsmouth begin to crack. Debutant Sumner powers over the line, extending Romsey’s dominance. 19-5. Cleland’s boot is steady once more. 21-5.
An unfortunate injury to a key player forces a brief interruption, but the relentless Romsey side resurges, undeterred. A lineout takes them to the 5-meter ruck, where Murrant and Cleland connect, finding Beardsley running a fanatic charge, walks the ball over the line with minimal resistance. 26-5. Predictably, Cleland converts. 28-5. As the half nears its end, Pompey responds with a last-ditch effort, and a double miss pass sees Mogaji dash in for a second try. 28-10. Pilbeam adds the conversion. 28-12. It’s not the finish Romsey desired, but they head into the break with a commanding lead.
The second half begins with Cleland’s kick, and as if charged by the sun itself, Romsey charges forward, powered by an almost supernatural energy. They recover the ball swiftly, and with precision, they steamroll the Pompey defence. Again, the backs shift to blindside, and Cleland delivers a perfectly timed pass, sending Dylan Scott crashing over the line for his second. 33-12.
Portsmouth finally gains a foothold after several phases, winning a penalty and kicking into touch just off the 5-meter line. A rolling maul ensues, and despite fierce resistance from Romsey, Pompey powers over the line. A missed conversion leaves the score at 33-17. Romsey, however, does not relent. Wave after wave of assault batters the Pompey defence until, at last, Ryan Daly breaks through, slicing through the defence like a blade. 38-17. Murrant, standing tall, adds the conversion. 40-17. To seal the fate of the visitors, Cleland drives home a penalty. 43-17.
As the final whistle blows, Romsey stands victorious, their dominance unquestioned, leaving Portsmouth in the dust of their fallen dreams.
Skipper’s thoughts – I thought we fronted up in defence any gave little positive ball for Pompey to play. The back line run riot and played off our strong set piece.
Coaches thoughts – Team selection was a battle this week with a lot of lads unavailable and I thought this might have been a difficult game but with this back line we were always going to score trys. The pack worked so hard to give them clean ball with a big shout out to PJ, Will Harrison and Rich on debut, as well as Scott on debut stepping up from the colts the second colt to do so this year fingers crossed for a few more.
Tyler Beardsley 8/3/2025
