Match report: New Milton RFC show their mettle in 45-22 Hampshire Counties Two battle with unbeaten league leaders Havant RFC thirds
New Milton RFC produced a spirited and battling effort against unbeaten league leaders Havant RFC III at Normans Way on Saturday, scoring three well-taken tries.
From the outset, Havant showed why they sit top of the table, dominating possession and territory. Their early pressure was rewarded when right winger Rory Penfold crossed in the corner for the opening try.
Shortly after, Havant were temporarily reduced to 14 men following a high tackle, and from the resulting penalty, Connor Hammerstone stepped up to slot New Milton’s first points of the afternoon.
That sparked a good spell from the home side. A pinpoint kick from skipper Dalton Thomas turned the visitors and put Milton in a strong position, but despite a sustained spell of pressure, Havant’s defence stood firm. They then countered with two converted tries to stretch their lead to 19-3.
New Milton weren’t finished, and got their reward just before the break. A well-worked move saw Dan Mallard crash over the line, and Hammerstone added the extras to reduce the deficit to 19-10 at half-time.
However, Havant struck almost immediately after the restart with another quick score. But New Milton hit back in style. A surging run by Christian Brown set up field position, and the ball eventually found Jude Payne-Owen, who powered through a series of defenders to score a sensational try. Hammerstone once again converted to bring the hosts back into contention at 26-17.
As the second half wore on, Havant’s fitness and attacking sharpness began to tell. Three quick tries from long range put the game beyond doubt – but the hosts refused to roll over.
With less than ten minutes remaining, New Milton stalwart Chris Conacher intercepted a loose Havant pass inside their 22 and sprinted away to score New Milton’s third try of the afternoon, which was once again converted by Hammerstone.
New Milton pushed hard for a fourth try to claim a bonus point, with their line-out functioning superbly in the closing stages. Mallard and Joseph Wyse-Polson led the charge around the breakdown, but despite relentless pressure, Havant held firm to see out the game.
It was a valiant performance from New Milton, who pushed the league leaders for long spells and showed encouraging signs in attack and at the set piece.
New Milton enjoy a two-week break now before returning at home against Trojans on 8th November.
New Milton: S. Bew, L. Booker, G. Shortland, J. Corbett, D. Colein-Gill, J. Payne-Owen, L. Minardi, D. Mallard, J. Wyse-Polson, J. Eldridge, C. Conacher, N. Smith, C. Brown, C. Hammerstone, D. Thomas. Subs: B. Zimondi, J. Hounsell, B. Field.