The Dolphins hard to really dog it out to get this tight win in this local derby. Their lineout was struggling with the changes in personal and possession was hard to come by against a Pompey team well up for the game and bolstered by new recruits. However, from a solid scrum platform the backs ran a practiced move that resulted in a great first try of the game for Rory Penfold, 5-0. Penalties gave the home side a 5m lineout and they capitalised with a try that was converted, 7-5. A tackle was judged high and Pompey kick for 3 points to go 10-5 up. Again misfiring lineouts denied Dolphins clean attacking ball and penalties lost them territory. The forwards Stephen Jenkinson, Alex Hankins, Dan Napier and Joe Nolan were making tackle after tackle. Archie Carter-Humpheries was manfully trying to launch counter attacks and flanker Tyrese Kieta was taking ball carries down at the ankles. Again from a driving maul Pompey crossed the try line. The referee judged that Dolphins collapsed the maul in goal and awarded a penalty try with Alex Hankins having to take a Yellow Card for the team as the ref picked him out, 17-5. Dolphins fought back and after several assaults on the Pompey try line Stephen Jenkinson crashed over to score, 10-17 and half time.
Pompey started the game with spirits up and Dolphins were soon adjudged offside giving them a kicking opportunity that was well taken, 20-10. A turnover finally gave Dolphins backline a chance to show their skills. George Edson chipped and chased to touch down for an excellent try; but again hit the woodwork with his conversion attempt. 20-15 to Pompey. Finally off a clean lineout Dolphins back line let rip again and after 4 phases centre Will Perry touched down for a try, 20-20. Every time Dolphins looked like they would finally go ahead a penalty pinned them back. Pompey made the most of the territory to work their maul into the try zone again, 25-20 to Pompey. Dolphins dug deep and again when a lineout functioned the backs tore into Pompey and outside centre Chris Buckett scored a try which George converted to go 27-25 ahead. Pompey wrecked a Dolphins scrum and in the ensuing attack were awarded a penalty which they kicked to go 28-27 ahead. 13 minutes to go and it was still anyone's game. Pompey were awarded another penalty but this time Dolphins held them out and turned over the ball to start a counter attack from their own 5m line that resulted in winger Patrick Warriner scoring under Pompey's posts and George converted. Dolphins closed out the last two minutes to take the win 34-28.
Head Coach Joe Moore pointed out that as we look upwards to Regional rugby next season this is the type of performance that will make us competitive in that higher league. Basingstoke at home next after a much needed rest week.