Romsey RFC Colts triumph over Gosport and Fareham

A strong Gosport and Fareham side were going to be a real examination for this Romsey side, but they passed this test at Ganger Farm on Sunday with flying colours. Their opponents started powerfully, carrying the ball aggressively. These forward surges were handled effectively by the resolute Romsey defence from the first whistle to the last.

When Romsey were able to break out of their half their backs always looked capable of scoring. After twenty minutes, skipper Finn Mitchell capitalised on the panic caused in Gosport and Fareham’s ranks by his side’s rush defence and he plunged over for the game’s opening score.

Quick hands then released the elusive Ben Rawden Smith who scampered over for Romsey’s second try a few minutes later. With Joey Newman slotting a penalty kick the blue and golds held an impressive 15-0 lead heading towards half time. Some loose passing under pressure allowed the visitors back into the game just at the end of the half but Romsey looked good value for their 15-7 lead.

Early possession for Gosport and Fareham in the second half reminded the home side that the game was far from over but again rock solid defence allowed Joey Newman space to clear from his 22. With the wind strengthening, it was clear that Romsey could not relax.

Romsey stayed true to their attacking instincts and broke the siege on their line for the game’s decisive try. Defence was turned into a spectacular attack for speed merchant Jacob Wolfe to dot down for a 20-7 Romsey lead.

The visitors threw all their weight at the Romsey defensive wall in a desperate attempt to claw back the fourteen points they needed for victory but they fell agonisingly short. They scored two good tries but Romsey emerged as the winners by a solitary point.

Report by Peter Jones