Today marked the halfway point of the season, and it brought the biggest clash so far.
While the majority of games were postponed, Romsey’s fixture was never in doubt, thanks to the cleverly designed drainage on our team pitches. But you’re not here to read about ground gradients and layering, are you? Instead, let me bring you up to speed on Romsey’s season so far.
Romsey sits in 3rd place, just three points behind Tottonians in 2nd. A bonus-point win would see Romsey secure 2nd spot heading into the new year with just one game left. Can we do it? Batter down the hatches—here we go!
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### **First Half**
With the wind at their backs, Romsey made their intentions clear early, executing a 50/22 to gain field position. Ben Hoad capitalized by touching down in the corner. **5-0** #COYR
Play continued with strong ball carrying from both sides. Tottonians responded with a well-executed blindside move, scoring their first points. **5-7**
Undeterred, Oli Coburn chased down the kick off, delivering a dominant hit that disrupted the ruck. Ian Milinak, in a powerful display, ran in from 35 meters out. Not bad for a prop, eh? **12-7** #COYR
Tottonians applied pressure with multiple phases, maintaining possession for an extended period. However, Romsey’s resilient defence forced their winger into touch near halfway.
From the ensuing lineout, Romsey’s speedy prop broke through for another 35-meter gain. As Tottonians scrambled defensively, a sleek move by the backs saw Oli Coburn crash over the line. **17-7** #COYR
Sensing a bonus-point try, Romsey continued to defend and carry the ball with vigour. A driving maul from a lineout in the opposition 22 forced Tottonians to concede again. **24-7** #COYR
Tottonians replied swiftly, moving the ball through the hands to score and remind Romsey of their attacking potential. **24-14**
After regrouping, Romsey regained control, pinning Tottonians in their 22. From a 5-meter scrum, skipper Harrison Scott executed a clever dummy to cross the try line. **31-14** at halftime.
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### **Second Half**
The next 40 minutes would be tough, playing into the wind. Coach and captain instructed the team to keep things tight and maintain discipline.
Romsey started the half strong, with Lewis Cartledge bundling over after a few tight phases near the Tottonians’ try line. New boots, new energy—well done, Lewis! **38-14** #COYR
As expected, Tottonians used the wind to pin Romsey in their half and played expansively, scoring a try around the outside. **38-21**
Both teams battled fiercely in the final 20 minutes. A breakthrough came when Romsey’s number 6, PJ, committed two defenders and offloaded to Jim Lamont, who powered over from 20 meters out. **43-21** #COYR
The final minutes saw relentless defence from Romsey, pinned in their half. Tottonians eventually secured a bonus-point try in the dying moments. Final score: **43-26**
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Captain’s Comments
Romsey’s dominant performance secured a well-earned victory, moving them into 2nd place. Discipline, defense, and teamwork were key to the win.
The game was physical and was expertly managed by our first aid, Cerrie Gray, whose dedication ensured the players’ welfare throughout the match.
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Coach’s Comments
“Today, the team delivered their most complete performance against a strong Totton Twos side. For the majority of the game, we were dominant, which is a testament to the players’ dedication to training and their willingness to work hard for one another. Well done, lads!”
Onward to the next challenge!
#COYR
