Hinds XV Match Report
US Portsmouth 14 - Andover 44 - Reports Carl Sievewright
Looking to continue winning ways from last week's victory, Andover Hinds travelled to take on United Services Portsmouth in the Hampshire Merit Table.
U.S. Portsmouth were raring to go with what seemed like two squads warming up, whilst Andover had the dubious pleasure of a single substitute and players playing out of position. With the high winds Andover knew they couldn't rely on their kicking game, or make much use of the back pod in the lineout.
US Portsmouth kicked off, and within ten minutes the electric Sam Froggett opened the account with a fantastic solo effort from the half way mark. Todd O'Malley missed the conversion from in front of the posts, just going to prove how difficult kicking was going to be on the day.
Andover continued to play well, and used the five back row players they had in the pack to their advantage, counter rucking well and winning a lot of turnover ball. This pressure eventually paid off as full back Paul Sillence went over in the corner.
Andover carried the momentum on and defended well, with the hosts managing to keep possession for a few phases. However, this was to no avail, as their attacking run ended when Ricky Caffrey bossed the defensive line out well, managing to turn over possession and give quick ball.
Andover looked dangerous with ball in hand, with outside centre Rennison making good yards with some strong running. Andover put together a few solid phases, which resulted in the out of position Froggett going over for his second of the game.
The second half saw a battling performance, with US Portsmouth coming out with something to prove. The pressure eventually told as inexperienced hooker, Dean Andrews, lost the ball in the tackle, which resulted in a converted try for the home team.
US Portsmouth then got the bit between their teeth, but this exuberance meant they were over committing to the breakdown. Andover recognised this, and went through the phases sucking the defence in, with number 8 McDowell securing Andover ball superbly throughout the game. Andover soon utilised the overlap, with fly half Todd O'Malley crossing the line.
Andover now attacked with renewed vigour, and worked through numerous phases, resulting in a chip through and a second try for O'Malley.
Andover's scrum was solid all game, but with Sam 'Sumo' Earle coming on from the bench, the gargantuan "Fat Boy" front row trio of Earle, Chillek and Sievewright (the latter two pictured below right with a pre-match visit to Portsmouth Harbour)
conquered
the US pack. This provided a solid base for the backs to work from, resulting in a try from winger Dave Catt, quashing the rumours that he was incapable of scoring.
A 'dangerous tackle' saw Rennison take a ten minute break and the home side used the man advantage well, going over for their second try of the match, however Andover responded well, taking a scrum taken against the head. This turnover managed to catch the defence out of position, resulting in winger Dan Pearson going over and managing to convert his own try.
From the kick off US Portsmouth decided to try a short grubber kick, unfortunately it found the hands of the former ITV Biggest Loser contestant, Carl Sievewright, who subsequently steam rollered their kicker, who sure soon regretted that tactic.
With two minutes remaining, second row Ricky Caffrey scooped up the loose ball and made a break from halfway, running through like a wounded antelope to go in under the posts, allowing O'Malley to make his first conversion of the game.
The final score was 14-44, and a deserving win for the travelling well organised Andover team. Next week Andover Hinds host Havant 3rd XV in the Merit Table on Saturday 28th January. Scorers
Tries: Froggett (2), Sillence, O'Malley (2), Catt, Pearson, Caffrey
Cons: Pearson, O'Malley
Pen: