Andover 33–28 Portsmouth
Report by Andrew Waite | Photography by Paul Campbell
Andover Rugby Club celebrated their first victory of the season with a thrilling 33–28 win over Portsmouth at The Goodship Ground last Saturday, securing a valuable bonus point in a fiercely contested encounter.
In a match that remained scoreless for the opening 30 minutes, Saxon Safety-sponsored Andover produced a performance full of determination, resilient defending and lightning-quick counter-attacks to claim the spoils.
Portsmouth, traditionally tough opponents, mounted a spirited comeback in the final 15 minutes and managed to secure two bonus points of their own. However, Andover’s attacking quality and outstanding defensive efforts ultimately proved decisive.
Playing up the slope in the first half, Andover initially struggled to find their rhythm. Both teams appeared to be feeling the effects of disrupted pre-season preparations, with handling errors and missed opportunities disrupting the flow of the game.
As the half progressed, however, the home side began to settle and build momentum.
The breakthrough came on the half-hour mark following a sustained period of Andover pressure. A penalty provided the opportunity for a well-executed set move, with quick hands from Sean Higgins releasing Evan Roll out wide to finish impressively.
Rich Retallick added the conversion from a difficult angle to put Andover 7–0 ahead.
Portsmouth attempted to respond, with a succession of penalties providing promising attacking positions. However, they were met by a formidable Andover defensive line.
Ryan McGealey, Samson Earle, Callum Hollinshead and Kieran Bush were particularly impressive, producing a series of outstanding defensive efforts to deny the visitors any opportunity to capitalise on the slope advantage before the interval.
Andover Take Control After the Break
With the slope now in their favour, Andover emerged for the second half with renewed confidence and quickly began to take control.
Alex Kane came agonisingly close to scoring after an excellent chip and chase, but the resulting lineout provided another opportunity for the hosts.
Young hooker Leighton Myhill made no mistake, powering over the line for his first try of the season. Retallick once again added the conversion to extend Andover’s lead to 14–0.
The hosts continued to apply pressure, and a handling error from Portsmouth soon presented Kane with another opportunity.
This time, the Andover player kicked through and raced clear to touch down, extending the home side’s advantage.
Andover’s momentum was briefly disrupted when Charlie Deaval and Retallick were forced off through injury, requiring changes to the team’s shape.
However, just as Portsmouth appeared to be finding a way back into the contest, Andover produced another moment of individual brilliance.
A superb piece of work at a lineout from Callum Hollinshead saw him break clear and race 50 metres to score beneath the posts. Joey Yates added the conversion, putting Andover firmly in command at 26–0.
Portsmouth Fight Back in Dramatic Finale
With Andover holding a commanding lead, the contest appeared to be heading towards a comfortable home victory.
Portsmouth, however, had other ideas.
The visitors demonstrated their resilience with two well-taken scores, reducing the deficit and bringing themselves back into contention.
With ten minutes remaining, Andover delivered what would prove to be the decisive blow.
A brilliant turnover from Louis Shinton sparked a rapid counter-attack, with Evan Roll, Bryn Waite and Joey Yates combining to move the ball forward at pace.
The ball eventually found Kieran Bush, who needed no second invitation to cross the line for Andover’s fifth try of the afternoon, much to the delight of the large home crowd.
Yates added the conversion to stretch Andover’s lead to 33 points.
Portsmouth refused to surrender, responding with another score to keep their hopes alive.
The visitors continued battling until the final whistle, eventually securing two bonus points with the last play of the match.
Despite the late pressure, Andover managed the closing stages sufficiently to hold on for a memorable 33–28 victory.
The result marked a significant milestone for the hosts, who collected their first win of the season along with a valuable try-scoring bonus point.
Coach Praises Andover’s Determination
Speaking after the match, Andover coach Charlie Waite was full of praise for his players, highlighting their defensive resilience, attacking ambition and determination.
“This was a battling performance full of pace and adventure, but with a defensive set in the first half that was incredible to see.
“The guys showed incredible guts and determination today which will stand us in good stead going forwards.”
The victory will provide a welcome boost for Andover as they look to build on their first success of the campaign and carry that momentum into their forthcoming fixtures.
Final Score: Andover 33–28 Portsmouth
Report supplied by Andrew Waite. Photographs courtesy of Paul Campbell.