Sat 7 Mar 2026
On a cloudy but dry day Christchurch made the trip into central Portsmouth, eventually due to delays on the M275, for Round 6 of the Hampshire Counties 6 (South) league to take on United Services Portsmouth 2s.
With a few injuries from the previous two games and a number of the team suffereing from the bug going round Christchurch were weakened from their impressive win against Portsmouth 3s the week before. The kick-off was then slightly delayed due to the refreree also being caught up in the traffic getting to the ground.
The first half was a tight and physical battle that saw USP score two unconverted tries to take a 10 - 0 lead into half time.
The second half saw USP score another two tries, one converted, before Christchurch hit back through a Sam Farnden try to take the score to 22 - 5. The half continued with huge hits through the centre before fianlly USP moved further ahead with a penalty try after it was deemed that Dom Phillips commited a high tackle which stopped a try scoring opportunity, 29 - 5. The game began to get very scrappy with Christchurch defending deep in their own half when USP were awarded a second penalty try for a string of penalties in Christchurch's 22. This resulted in Christchurch seeing Lenny, on debut, sent to the bin for not releasing, 36 - 5. Christchurch never gave up and made good progress up the field when a yellow card was shown to USP also for not releasing, but nothing came of it and the the final score stayed at 36 - 5 in favour of the hosts.
It wasn't the result Christchurch had hoped for, but with the illnesses and injuries the boys battled well against a younger, fitter and well drilled USP side. The result drops us back down the table to 5th with just 6 points between the top spot and us. Two teams still have games in hand and are currently sitting above us in the table so find themselves in the driving seat to take the league title.
The table can be found here, you will see two leagues due to the change in structure after christmas, the one to focus on is titled "Counties 6 South of Hampshire Merit Tables": Christchurch RFC - Christchurch
As usual a huge thank you goes out to all those who travelled to support the lads - it is truely appreciated.
PLEASE NOTE: The final game of the season in round 7 against Ventnor 2s at Grange Road has had to be re-arranged, long story. The game has moved from the 14th March 2026 to now be on the 18th April 2026, KO will be confirmed nearer the time.
Christchurch scorers on the day were:
- Sam Farnden - 1 try
Player of the Match:
Not applicable.
D*** of the Day:
Lenny, on his debut with a yellow card and he then took one for the team as he was one of only two players left by the time the presentations were made.
