In arguably their best performance, home or away, over the last three years, a skilled and highly combative Havant side took maximum points away against newly promoted and much-fancied Oundle. It was a performance full of discipline, in which the team conceded few penalties and which pressured the opposition into conceding almost twenty. It was here that the game was won and lost.

The Havant side started without either of the first-choice scrum-halves, Ben Holt and Colin Sisk, with new signing Sam Trodd moving in from his favoured position on the wing to cover for their absence. Archie Cleeve was injured, with Will Saunders playing at six. Havant debutants were 2nd row forward Angus Southon, strong in the pre-season game last week, Jack Colbourne at 7, Brandon Vince at Prop, Dylan Evans on the wing, Freddie Ferson on the bench, as well as the previously mentioned Sam Trodd. The Oundle side was interesting for who they left out as much as who had been selected with the fabled Ma’asi brothers (x3) left in the 2ndXV and Scottish U20 player Logan Noble not playing anywhere. It transpired that the ‘trio Ma’asi’ cannot play due to visa restrictions. Selected were former Premiership star, Will Chudley, at scrum-half and Championship player Rian Hamilton at Outside Centre, along with ‘banger’ Matt Dawson, signed from Cambridge, on the bench.

On a warm but very windy day, Havant played against the wind in the first half and took a degree of control early on with enterprise from the backs and power from the forwards and Jack Colbourne to the fore, winning good turnover ball. It was a surprise then when, on 11 minutes Oundle scored through hooker Grant Snelling with the Oundle forwards mauling to the line from close to the Havant ’22’. This was an early indicator of where Oundle’s strength would be. The conversion was missed (5-0). Havant replied quickly when a poor kick from Oundle allowed Havant to run from well from inside their own half on the left on 15’. A good break from Reuben Knight and slick handling from the backs sent Will Perry over on the right, from Oundle’s 10m line. The conversion was missed (5-5).

At this point Oundle were conceding multiple penalties and struggling to maintain a foothold in the game through Havant forward dominance and quality kicking from Reuben Knight in tough conditions. Having already had several opportunities to score it was no surprise when, on 22’, Harrison Young crashed over to the left of the posts with Joel Knight converting to make it 5-12. After more excellent drives from the Havant forwards, it was important that the team made their dominance count, and they did so on 30’ with a further score. Another penalty conceded in their own half by Oundle (their 10th) on the left gave Havant the ball and a clever switch of play from Sean Shepherd eventually ended up with Jack Colbourne scoring on the right after his own excellent dummy and show of speed. Joel Knight converted to make it 5-19. Before half-time a 5m lineout led to Oundle’s second try, from Ben Whyman, converted, making it 12-19 in Havant’s favour at half-time, but not before Oundle could have scored again from close range had it not been for obstruction. Oundle were a real try-line threat from rolling mauls.

A good 50/22 from Reuben Knight early in the second half led to a penalty to Havant, successfully kicked by Joel Knight, to make it 12-22 on 44’. A try from Oundle’s Lawrence Rayner on 48’, duly converted, reminded Havant, that although they had the upper hand, the opposition were a threat, especially in tight play (19-22). Havant increased the intensity with seven or so minutes of solid possession. A good break from Ben Griffin on 52’ sent Will Perry close to the line and a few minutes later, on 54’ Joel Knight sent over another penalty to make it 19-25. Oundle were tiring.

On ’58 a great run from Sam Trodd, taking a high ball and running through a posse of would-be tacklers presented an opportunity on the left which wing Dylan Evans took. Joel Knight converted to make it 19-32 and a bonus point secured. Havant continued to threaten Oundle’s line and an Angus Southon try on 70’, after concerted pressure on the right was converted again by Joel Knight (19-39). Oundle kept pushing and a late try from Ashton Webb initiated by a nice back of the hand pass from Rian Hamilton, unconverted, secured their try own bonus point. Final score 24-39.

This was an outstanding performance in which every Havant player performed at close to their best. The Knight brothers shut out the Oundle attackers in midfield with Reuben Knight kicking well throughout. Joel Knight missed only one kick in difficult kicking conditions. Sam Trodd made sure that Will Chudley was kept quiet all match and the back three ran hard and effectively with both wings scoring. Ben Griffin a rock under the swirling ball was able to counter-attack well from full-back when space allowed. The forwards earned several scrum penalties – particularly in the first half - and forced Oundle into numerous technical errors and infringements in the tight exchanges. The back-row scavenged and the pace of Jack Colbourne gave Havant an extra dimension to their play. Harrison Young was at his best and Angus Southon, was a physical threat all game. The coaches will also be realistic. Oundle’s scoring threat came mostly from lineouts and it will be here that Havant will need to find ways to tighten up defensively in future matches.

The players will know that it won’t always be like this but such a strong performance, for the first match of the season, will be a huge confidence boost for the side. Away wins, with bonus points, are precious at this level.

A final word about Oundle who were very welcoming, asked us about our journeys to get there and, this being their first time at this level, were full of questions about the strength of the league. We thank them for their hospitality and will welcome them to Hooks Lane later in the season. We learnt last season what they now know. The jump into the National League is a big one. (Doug Miller)

Head coach Will Knight's thoughts after the game "It was a really positive performance. We really didn’t know what to expect at Oundle and I feel we imposed ourselves well from minute one. The new boys stood up well and made a real impact and there was a calmness about our decision-making and execution that bodes well. We also know that there is a lot more to come from this group. Exciting times!”

For interest the other scores in National Two East were:
Barnes 26 – 14 Canterbury
Dorking 17 -10 London Welsh
Esher 24 – 12 Sevenoaks
Henley 26 – 24 Guernsey
Old Albanians 27 – 19 Bury St Edmunds
Oxford Quins 22 – 43 Westcombe Park