Despite suffering a one-point loss in a below-par performance, the two bonus points that Bognor earned were enough to move them to joint top of Hampshire 1 alongside Winchester 2 who surprisingly lost at Andover.

Having narrowly beaten Portsmouth at home in a September cup-tie, Bognor knew that this was always going to be a tough match, and so it turned out. The home pack enjoyed physical superiority for long periods and rarely allowed Bognor enough of a foothold to establish any real control, while the Portsmouth fly-half constantly punished the visitors with a fine display of kicking.

Despite all of that, had the last kick of the match- a penalty attempt from Jeremy Newton-Young- been just six inches higher instead of re-bounding off the crossbar, Bognor would have walked away with another five-point win, albeit one that they did not really deserve.

Conditions at Portsmouth were perfect but Bognor's high error count began early when a penalty kick to touch was mis-hit and, as a result, they found themselves under pressure deep inside their own 22. A knock-on by centre Matt Norrell compounded the error and gave Portsmouth an attacking scrum from which they took full advantage to score the first try of the match after just five minutes.

Bognor stirred themselves and put together their first attack which ended with Norrell making amends for his earlier error by hitting a great line and crashing over near the posts. Newton-Young’s conversion levelled the scores at 7-7 after just eight minutes.

Indiscipline at the tackle area, combined with some poor decision-making, came to the fore once again and the visitors found themselves under self-imposed pressure. Portsmouth helped themselves to an easy penalty to regain the lead.

A superb run by full-back Freddie Hayes left four defenders in his wake, and returning skipper Charlie Jays was on hand to score Bognor’s second try, Newton-Young’s conversion giving his side a four-point lead.

Man of the Match Freddy Hayes

Portsmouth’s second row was yellow-carded for a high hit on Ollie Mitchell and Bognor quickly took advantage of their numerical superiority. A slightly forward pass from Hayes prevented a further score but, soon afterwards he set off on another mesmerising run. “Don’t let him out” was the shout from the Portsmouth defence but they had no answer as he stepped his way past five would-be tacklers to score an outstanding individual try.

Newton-Young was next on the scoresheet as he finished off a great move to touch down near the posts for a bonus-point try that he converted himself.

With the score now at 26-10 in their favour Bognor appeared to be well in control but Portsmouth hit back strongly and were held up over the visitors’ line. It was no surprise, however, when their speedy winger found a gap to cross over in the corner and narrow the half-time gap to nine points.

The second half began with more indiscipline from Bognor and the home forwards imposing themselves in the set pieces. The visitors’ defence initially held firm but the pressure eventually told and the home pack trundled over for their third try of the afternoon.

With the gap now down to just two points Portsmouth smelt blood, whilst Bognor seemed totally unable to utilise what little possession they had. A loss of concentration at a scrum enabled Portsmouth to gain a penalty which they duly kicked to nudge them ahead.

Jays was sin-binned for a high tackle and the momentum was well and truly with the home team, only for Bognor to wake up and show a glimpse of what they are capable of. No.8 Jamie Foote set off on a typical charging run and sold an outrageous dummy before flying over for Bognor’s fifth try. This gave the visitors a four-point lead but the easy conversion was unfortunately missed, the importance of which was emphasised as Portsmouth drove over for their bonus-point try and a one-point lead.

There was more drama to come in the dying seconds but a great penalty effort from Newton-Young was denied by the crossbar. To be fair to Portsmouth their second half dominance was clear to see and they deserved their win.

This coming Saturday sees the biggest match at Hawthorn Road for many years as Bognor entertain Chichester for the first time since 2008. On paper it looks as if there is nothing between the two teams so the battle for the O’Hagan Sausage Cup should be a cracker.

Leighton Thomas

Bognor RFC

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