Winning New Milton Rugby Club aim to end season on a high

Hampshire Premier League: Fareham 27-38 New Milton Rugby Club

NEW MILTON Rugby Club climbed into sixth place in the Hampshire Premier League after two tries from both Oli Baker-Clipston and Charlie Jewiss secured a hard-fought 38-27 away win at Fareham Heathens.

Baker-Clipston continued his good form as he scored New Milton’s first try in the opening minutes. They continued their dominance as a swift set play gave Jewiss the space to round the Fareham defence for their second midway through the first half.

Fareham fought their way back into the game after a cross-field kick pierced the visitors' defence for their first try and a converted penalty shortly followed.

It took two defence-splitting tries from Chris Conacher and Jewiss to give New Milton a 26-8 lead. But a yellow card and an injury to captain Jack Corbett kept the game finely poised heading into the second half.

After 43 minutes, Baker-Clipston bounded over the line for his second of the game to extend the visitors' advantage. Two Fareham tries followed in quick succession before prop Eddy Hynd bowled his way over in the corner to seal a 38-27 victory.

Try scorer Hynd said that it was an impressive outing despite a number of changes to the side. He said: "I think we played well as a team and adapted to some last-minute additions.

"Players got injured and lads had to play out of position, but the overall team performance was great, and we ground out the win today with some great attacking rugby and very organised defence.

“Our aim for the rest of the season is to get 10 points from the next two games and finish the season as high in the table as possible, so we can carry the momentum into next season.”

With two games left, New Milton host Eastleigh II on Saturday as they look for a strong finish to the season and claim a top-four spot.