US Portsmouth 20 - 10 Heathens Academy

A sad day as Heathens' 100% start to the season was ended by a battling US Portsmouth side. Nothing was taken for granted arriving at the ground, USP were sure to have learnt from their mistakes of a year ago and would arrive fully prepared and up for the match. The early exchanges set the tone of the match, big physical plays around the fringes with USP using the gusting winds to their advantage to pin the visitors back. Heathens were clearly rattled, were giving away penalties in dangerous areas. USP upped the anti, and some solid forward play combined with dancing backs saw them cross the line.

Heathens put the squeeze on, but just had no answer for the wind. They found it difficult to relieve the pressure and before long found themselves further behind. More penalties, this time USP took the points available – they clearly weren't taking the game for granted. Heads visibly dropped, and for a brief spell intelligence went out the window and a disjointed defence allowed a third try. Again, try as they might Heathens struggled to respond. The referee's interpretation of the laws at the breakdown clearly favoured the USP game, and the visitors struggled to adapt.

Half time clarification clearly helped, as did the arrival of Cameron Brew (just don't tell immigration). The Heathens legend relieshed his return from injury, and set out with his peers to reverse his side's fortunes. A good period of pressure saw USP begin to crumble, and after 11mins Heathens drove over to scrape back some points and some pride. USP were visibly rattled, and Heathens took advantage. More power play brought them within range again, and Aaron Harrod, followed by Tom Hiron lurched forward, Hiron touching down. Again no conversion and with just 12mins remaining, time was against Heathens.

Once more the drive began, and for a second it seemed The third try was on, but a dubious decision went againt the attacking side and seemed to be a turning point. The time pressure was felt, and USP took good advantage of uncharacteristic mistakes to put Heathens on the back foot. From here it was always to be an uphill struggle, and one in which these players had lost belief. A great performance from the home side, who stepped up on a day when Heathens just couldn't raise their game to their usual standards. We're sure this won't be the end in this series of matches between two great physical sides.

All that remains to say is that Hampshire Rugby is clearly the biggest winner with so many top sides in the county with so little to choose between them. Good luck to USP in the rest of the season, and we hope to meet you for another great match soon!