REPORTS FOR 2009-2010 SEASON

Saturday, 24th January 2010

NEW MILTON II 0
TOTTONIANS 27

Right keeping it short and sweet.  We turned up with a determined squad of sixteen, most of which hadn't realised our league standing. So the warm up started off a bit lackadaisical, until it was pointed out what this game meant to the team. The urgency and determination then started to flow.
From the kick off, the team sprung into action like never before and gained five early points, by Will "lightning" Martin, which made a change from our usual slow first twenty minutes. Before half time we managed to slide in three more well-worked tries.  Steve The Power Ball With an awesome No.8 pick up, followed by Ben Deakin with a dance down the middle of the park, quickly followed by another from Lightning. None of which came off the line out, due to Scrapper Young's bizarre hook style throw in the first half.
Still no sigh of a conversion on the horizon though.
After half time New Milton came back at us with a new-found enthusiasm, which tested our well-oiled machine, but our defence held strong, led by Bone Crusher Barrett who mangled his opposite number. Sam Snake Hips Young swerved his way to a great try which was harshly disallowed (a few vision problems there me thinks), but Tom the Ex-Up works Young ran in our last try of the game, by which time Ben the Slice Deakin had got his eye in to convert it, to give us a 27-0 victory. Scrapper Lived up to his name shortly after, not happy unless he's given someone nightmares so they wake up crying into there teddy.

Thanks to the whole team, what an awesome performance!

1.El capitan,  2. Scrapper Young,  3.Bone Chrusher Barrett, 4. Liam the hitman Hurst,  5. Bronco Ben Maguire, 6. Slong,  7. Garnet Young,  8. Steve the power Ball,  9. Snake Hips Young, 10 Slice Deakin, 11. Will lightning Martin, 12. J Lo Marshall, 13. Scottish, 14. Kung Foo Young , 15. Ex UP Young,  16. The Incredible Balk.

Steve Watts

REPORTS FOR 2008-2009 SEASON

Saturday, 20th September 2008

PORTSMOUTH IV 10
TOTTONIANS 24

After some last minute calling around in the Club car park, we left with what we thought was a bare fifteen, providing we swung by to picked up a slightly hung over Neil Angell. On arrival at Portsmouth we realised we had also picked up Alex Findlay. So it just left us the job of sorting out a team that consisted of mainly props and back row. 
On kick off we were receiving and from the off the game was taken to Portsmouth. There was a lot of yards made by the forwards punching holes in the Portsmouth defence, and recycling the ball quickly. The attack was led by Scott Noble (nice to see him back on form and playing). After the forwards had done some damage, the backs pulled the Portsmouth defence apart even more with Nick Amey and Richard Pye making some great breaks, which started to show some holes in Portsmouth's defence. Some quick hands allowed Alex Findlay in the corner for a well worked try.  After another Tottonians' all out attack, Richard Pye was in under the posts,  which Peter Amey easily converted to give us a 0 – 12 lead.  Shortly after our second try we were asked to go uncontested in the scrum, as their new hooker was a broken man and out of all their subs there wasn't one replacement front row player, so we reluctantly agreed. The only time Portsmouth got a touch of the ball was off the back of our mistakes, and they didn't keep it for long. For the next ten minutes till half time we started to go a bit flat, with Nick Amey and Mark Goodger taking some big hits but managing to last up to the break. 
At half time we had to pinch a player from the Second Team bench as Nick Amey was carrying an injury and Goochie was subbed for Mike Turner who had his debut for senior rugby. 
We started the second half slowly except for Richie (our replacement back) who took us forward for a third try, which was again converted by Peter Amey to take us nineteen points ahead. We then went off the boil completely for about twenty minutes, which allowed Portsmouth to score two tries, bringing the score to 19 – 10, which gave them some hope and brought their game up. Owen Cavell took a knock to the knee and he had to leave the pitch, for a rested Goochie. With Owen shouting from the sideline we slowly worked our way back in to the game, to finish it off with with try by Tom Young, to end the game 10 – 24.

WELL DONE LADS!

Steve Watts
 

REPORTS FOR 2007-2008 SEASON

Saturday, 1st March 2008

PETERSFIELD 24
TOTTONIANS 0

Following our recent run of wins, we hit a brick wall this week. Actually, a South Pacific Tsunami ...
This week’s game was like a clash of bulls from start to finish. The first quarter was all our possession and we pressed their line heavily. Opting to run a penalty in their twenty-two, after a phase or two Andy Farley was denied a try at the bottom of a driving maul. Then soon afterwards Steve Watts was denied a try as the ball popped out of his arms after grounding the ball.
A great kick from Petersfield put them from their twenty-two into ours. Unfortunately, we conceded a penalty and with a quick tap they got the first try. We fought back again in their twenty-two and looked like setting up a try, when Andy Farley copped a swinging hand in the “jewels” sending him down for the count. Then a loose ball was picked up by a Petersfield winger and he was off. Chased down by Ollie Baker and Rich Pye, they were forced into dropping the ball over the line, but the try was given.
Half time score: 12 – 0.
We took our first injury with Evan Taylor coming off and beefed up our second row with the first appearance of the giant Brody Bol.
The second half saw much of the same, with a very determined and elusive opposition, which was equally matched. Not long into the half we took our next injury with Rhys Cleary getting a twisted knee in a ruck, making way for our other debutant Ryan Kinnane.
Soon afterwards, out of the traps ran the Petersfield backs. Although being forced out a few metres before the line, which was not picked up by our linesman, they where awarded their third try. We responded with interest and Rich Pye was denied a similar try, but the Petersfield tackler had taken out the corners posts. Andy Farley was knocked down a second time, this time by a high flying swinging hand around the face which put a stop to one of our sorties. Nick Amey was away with his ears pricked back on two occasions with the line in his sights, only to be held back both times by the whistle and denied playing the advantage. Petersfield broke through our defences after some loose play they were in for their fourth try of the day. Then Pete Amey was taken out yet again with leading feet, this time for good and leaving the pitch for the rest of the game, seeing Colm Hagen fall into the centre spot and Danny Scott taking over as stand off. Danny was then given the same reception as Pete and he too had to go off in the same fashion. This ended up with both Martin Balk and Evan Taylor coming back on the field. For the third time, Andy Farley was knocked down after receiving a switch from Brad Yates then colliding with the referee, fortunately getting back up to battle on. Nevertheless we fought on in this very physical and dramatic skirmish. We must have had at least sixty percent of the possession in the end, but in the prevailing chain of events with what felt like the forces conspiring against us, we were unable to cross the line this day. Final score: 24 – 0.

A very solid performance was put in by all for the full eighty minutes, which saw us keep a very strong and capable side that have been putting together some big scores lately, down to only four tries. Thanks and well done!

Taylor E; Young T; Neethling S; Balk M; Watts S; Robinson A; Cleary R.
Amey N; Yates B; Amey P; Findlay A; Farley A; Scott D; Pye R; Baker O.
(Hagen C; Bol B; Kinnane R.)

Brad Yates

Saturday, 23rd February 2008

TOTTONIANS 31
PAXTON PUMAS 12

Following on from the previous Saturday’s, we continued with another inspiring all round team performance.
Paxton Pumas fronted with a big, strong pack and some whippy backs, but we were right up for it from the start. Very close initially, but an opposition kick was cleared up by Ollie Baker and he cut their defence like a jigsaw with an outstanding solo run to score under the posts. The remainder of the first half saw us continuing to make breaks, but just unable to finish off or being restrained by their defences just short of the line on numerous occasions. Pete Amey was on his kicking game again this week, which relieved a lot of pressure and put us back on the front foot. Once again back in their twenty-two for another attack, the forwards built a solid platform. Then the ball went from one side of the pitch to the other, with an offload by Brad Yates to James Woolgar, saw the latter in for our second try. Half-Time Score: 12 – 0.
The second half saw much of the same, both versatility and options in the forwards and the backs — so it was only a matter of time and Alex Findlay finally got over in the corner. Paxton Pumas start to fight back with some great breaks. With us pinned on our line they drove over for their first. We returned the compliment when Nick Amey cracked through to fringes. But in a game of chess, they also hit back and on the only real occasions in which we allowed some missed tackle to creep into our game they got in for their second. A real tug-of-war was developing. The second period also heralded the return of Scott Noble, making a great impact and almost scoring on a few occasions but unfortunately being held up. Finally, Steff Neethling stormed over to score in the last quarter.

Very hard to highlight anyone this week as it was a great all round performance, both in teamwork and individual efforts, keep it up!
Our great result against Ellingham & Ringwood II’s the previous week put us in 3rd position in the Hampshire Senior Merit 2 league.  Continuing on this great performance last Saturday puts us in good form leading up to our next league fixture away to Petersfield III. Bring it ON!!!
Special thanks this week for Scott Burns and Danny Scott who played for the opposition who had travelled away short of players.
Well done!

Watts S; Cavell O; Neethling S; Taylor E; Balk M; Hagen C; Muchmore G; Amey N.
Lowe N; Amey P; Young T; Yates B; Woolgar J; Findlay A; Baker O.
(Noble S; Scott D; Burns S.)

Brad Yates

Saturday, 9th February 2008

ELLINGHAM & RINGWOOD 7
TOTTONIANS 22

It was a clear turn around of events this week, both as a team and individual effort. We dominated the first half without question. It was not long before a well placed chip by Chad Marshall was chased down by Sam Young to score his first of the season. Shortly after, a well placed pass by Brad Yates put Chris Smith into a gap to score under the posts. Continuing to press their line Mark Amey forced his way over to score, but was unfortunately disallowed. Tom Kimber sustained a sprained ankle, giving an opportunity for Nick Lowe to come on. Little moment was lost and we found ourselves on their five metres line and a great angle from Rhys Cleary put himself under the posts for our third, going into the break 0 – 19.
The second half saw Nick Amey coming on to rest Martin Balk and with a few minor changes we recommenced with the same vigour as before t he break. However, Ellingham & Ringwood had made a few changes themselves, which had the result of chocking our first half exploits. We continued to make breaks all over the park, but were unable to effectively finish them off. With this being Nick Amey's first game this season, it was not noticed as he made good inroads around the rucks. Furthermore, Pete Amey’s kicking game and distribution was well inform this week taking a lot of pressure off our game. We finally looked like scoring in the final quarter, but a loose ball was kicked forwards by the opposition. With a fortunate bounce, they were off down the pitch. Chad Marshall in defence had forced a pass which went loose and again was kicked, with another fortunate bounce into the hands. They were off and went in to score under the posts. We fought back and were rewarded with a penalty which we took to maintain our moment, but were unable to break their renewed defences. And neither were they with ours …

A much improved performance and commitment by all this week and thus, justly rewarded with an inspiring and important win to consolidate our fourth position and potential movement up into third position. We need to consolidate and continue with this attitude as we look to hunt down another win in this week’s forthcoming league fixture to the Isle of Wight at home. Well done Team!

Neethling S; Taylor E; Cavell O; Gregory J; Balk M; Cleary R; Robinson A; Amey M.
Kimber T; Amey P; Hagen C; Yates B; Smith C; Young S; Marshall C.
(Burns S; Lowe N; Young T; Amey N.)

Brad Yates
 

Saturday, 2nd February 2008

TROJANS 38
TOTTONIANS 15

I think we must have had other things on our minds this week as we definitely we found wanting and lacked our usual drive and commitment. As much we managed to gather a bare fifteen by 12:15, after two late withdrawals mid morning, and gaining a bench upon the cancellation of our Second's game, the late turn out of players onto the pack and lacklustre pre-match warm-up was not the most inspiring of preparations.
Starting off at a fairly even match, it wasn’t long before Trojans' forwards started to dominate, allowing the back row to make their mark and penetrate our defences. Pushing us back with rolling mauls, Trojans quickly took the first points. We defiantly fought back and were rewarded with two penalties, one of which was converted by Nick Lowe, but each time we managed to make some inroads on the Trojans, they responded back. Our defensive line and awareness was much better this week, but our first up tackles were not. Too many missed tackles allowed them to either off-load or stand and maul, which we were unable to effectively control. Combined with too much basic handling errors, we found ourselves more often than not on the retreat. Aggravating his recurring back injury, Tom Phillips retired early for Evan Taylor to make his appearance just before half time.
Half time Score: 22 – 3.
A few changes to allow the rest of our bench to come on in their respective positions and we began. Our first up hits began to improve particular from the likes of Danny Scott and Andy Farley. We appeared to win a lot of ball but were unable to retain it, as we were continually being turned-over or not effectively cleaning up any loose ball. This combined with a lot of pressure from the Trojans meant we were unable to get a decent platform or clean ball to set ourselves with any effective forward gain. However, in the last quarter we really turned up a notch and started to look like we were finally on the rise. With some good breaks in the backs we fought through the centres with Andy and Brad being pulled up just short. With the forwards coming in on the next few phases, we drove over the line to finally get our first try of the day, thanks particularly to the efforts of Owen Cavell. Unfortunately, Trojans responded likewise. Again, with some good breaks in the backs we fought through, this time on the other side of the pitch much to the frustration of Richard Pye, I was wrapped up short. But on the preceding phases Andy Farley fought through to get our second try, converted by Pete Amey. Unfortunately, Trojans replied soon after.
The Trojans, with a strong forward pack and a dangerous back row, took their toll. Combined with our missed tackles and handling errors it was an uphill struggle much to our frustration, though on occasion we put together some inspiring attacks. It was all too little to late!

For next week, we really need to get a grip on our first up tackles and support to rucks and mauls, as without a solid platform in this area of the game there is little opportunity to consolidate any ground gained, or effectively defend our territory.
Much commitment and attitude is need for next week’s league fixture, as we need a win to maintain our position and improve our performance.

Phillips T; Cavell O; Watts S; Balk M; Young G; Formstone E; Cleary R; Robinson A.
Lowe N; Scott D; Burns S; Yates B; Young S; Lee A; Amey P.
(Farley A; Jarvis J; Pye R; Taylor E.)

Brad Yates

Saturday, 26th January 2008

TOTTONIANS 0
WINCHESTER 29

This has to be our worst performance by far this season. There were some individual credits on occasion, but we generally let ourselves down as a team this week, in not being able to managing our defences and not being able to maintain possession and being turned over on all to many occasions.
Starting off a little slow to say the least, we found ourselves feverously on the defence keeping back a well drilled side both in defence and offence play. It wasn’t long before they made a break which we were unable to answer, scoring there initial try in the first quarter. Winchester were very quick to get numbers to the breakdowns, turning over our possession, often only after the first or second phase. In answering their determination we over committed to the rucks and mauls, eventually Winchester drawing us in and outflanking us to get in for their second. We fought back, with a good backline try being completed by Jerry Alfandaki occurring from a good forward platform, but unfortunately Sam Young had stepped into touch during the processes. On another occasion Tom Kimber almost scored from an in goal mistake after chasing from a scrum. On a further occasion Winchester managed to just secure the ball from us whilst driving over the line.
Half-Time Score: 0 – 12.
With determination to get back into the game, we set off charging into the second half, but we were unable to combat Winchester effectively and again found ourselves on the back foot. They were very good at drawing us into the rucks and mauls, maintaining possession, then shipping the ball out to kick for ground or out again flanking us on two occasions. Their third try came from us over coming to closing down the space and their No.12 reading this, stepped back inside around a number of us to score under the posts. Facing what turned out to be a well-drilled side, particularly in their backs, we lucky not to have more points taken against us. So, it wasn’t all that bad in summary. Fighting in the last quarter, some decent territory was gained and we put in a better performance, with good breaks by Sam Young and Colm Hagen, but unfortunately they were either captured or forced into touch. We were unable to get any points on the board for our efforts and we went into the shed with a duck.

For next week, we need to get to the breakdowns with more urgency to ensure we have a solid platform to work off. We need to manage our defensive line better, not over committing, or being drawn in, not let gaps appear, or unprotected space out wide.
In summary, poor communication and game awareness this week, particularly in defence. A of improvement required this week, as we look towards our next league fixture the following week.

Watts S; Cavell O; Taylor E; McGuire B; Balk M; Cleary R; Burns S; Timms N.
Kimber T; Yates B; Hagen C; Alfandaki J; Formstone E; Young S; Amey P.
(Lee A; Young M; Franks T.)

Brad Yates
 

Saturday, 19th January 2008

FAWLEY II 19
TOTTONIANS 3

Unfortunately we were unable to maintain our winning streak this week, but a hard fought match it was. The final score was not quite a true reflection of our performance considering we had most of the possession in the first half and defended diligently in the second.
We had no preparation this week as we arrived at 1:10pm for a 1:00pm kick off. The game started strong with little in it, however we were attacking continually in their territory, but a loose ball spilling from ruck was picked up by Fawley and they broke off for their first try. We took it straight back but not long after they did it again, this time converting. This now spurred us on even further and we fought back with a couple of good backline moves to what looked like a try in the corner by Uche Iwuajoku, but had touched the corner post before getting the ball down. We continued to hassle Fawley which showed on their penalty count. Continuing to pressure their line, Owen Cavell was driven over with some support only to be held up. On another attempt, half our squad went over but again could not get the ball on the turf.
It was disappointing that our only two mistakes in the first half were punished by tries, but we were finding ourselves out of position on too many occasions, allowing gaps to develop in close or space outside, so were lucky not to have had more points against us at this stage. Half-Time Score, 12 – 0.
With Greg Hicks sustained an injury in the first half, he was replaced by Andy Farley who had only came down to watch, with a possibility of helping the Vets out on the bench if needed. With some changes in the backline, we headed out for Round Two.
Again, we had a good start and were rewarded early with a penalty, successfully taken this week by Jerry Alfandaki. Most of the time this half we found ourselves running from one end of the pitch to the other in a game of rugby tennis. Unfortunately when it broke, it was us with a couple of missed tackles and a gap between the forwards and backs allowing Fawley to touch down close to the posts and was swiftly converted. With tensions rising and now starting to boil, fortunately this did not show too much on our penalty count, but Fawley’s continued to rise.
We endeavoured to fight on and advance into their territory on many occasions in the final quarter, but were driven back on each attempt and the score line remained unchanged.

For next week, we need to make sure we play our positions in the first instance, and secondly heads up to re-organise and maintain diligent lines of defence or offence at all times as the cards unfold, and not get target fixation with the ball. Furthermore, we need to be quicker to tidy up loose ball and react quicker in organising our defence to counter such situations. Again, great spirit and discipline under trying conditions.

Neethling S; Cavell O; Taylor E; Lee A; Balk M; Franks T; Hagen C; Robinson A.
Lowe A; Amey P; Iwuajoku U; Yates B; Findlay A; Hicks G; Alfandaki J.
(Farley A.)

Brad Yates
 

Saturday, 12th January 2008

TOTTONIANS 29
PETERSFIELD 22

Great result!!! Another win this week, which was particularly important as it was our first league fixture of the year and puts us in full steam ahead for 2008...
Conditions were atrocious this week and a very waterlogged, muddy and slippery pitch made for a sticky wicket. Facing strong opponents made for an uphill battle right from the start. We managed to penetrate early, but were unable to follow through completely and capitalise. However, Petersfield hit straight back and getting into our half forced us on the defence and pressured us into conceding two penalties one after the other and both in kicking range. Fortunately, this was an early wake-up call, spurring us on. For the remainer of the first half we were well on the attack in their territory. With some mighty forward breaks, strong runs and great supporting play, first Rhys Cleary then Joel Gregory scored in similar fashion from great team work and individual efforts.
An early replacement midway through the half saw Evan Taylor replace Martin Balk in the second row. Matt Searle was unlucky on two occasions, firstly being stopped just short of the line, then being held up over it. About ten minutes before half time, Greg Hicks came on as a blood replacement for Andy Robinson. Shortly after, a nice break from Rhys Cleary saw him get over the line once again, this time under the posts, giving James Woolgar a more favourable opportunity to convert.
Half-Time Score: 17 – 3.
Andy Robinson came back on and both teams came out of their corners charged, but it was us that dominated, pressuring their line and remaining in their territory for the majority of the second half. We almost had an early try by Colm Hagen after another great support play move, but got caught short. However, not long after that Owen Cavell smashed through from a good forward platform and solo effort, to get over near the posts allowing James Woolgar to get his second conversation of the day. Scott Burns came on to replace Andy Robinson with great impact and endeavour. We continued to mount our attacks, but the toll and cracks in our defence were starting to show and some breaks through our line from the Petersfield forwards and backs made for some determined efforts to keep them from scoring. We managed to get another try in, Colm Hagen finally getting over in the corner, before our concentration went off the boil.
All credit to Petersfield, they fought diligently all game, and were quick to gather lose balls from open rucks and mauls, took the initiative to counter, not once, or twice, or even thrice, but four damn times in the last quarter! After putting up a monstrous work rate for the majority of the game, we were all now pretty spent and just trying to hold on long enough to be saved by the bell, after a defiant comeback by Peterfield, then finally the whistle blew...

Again, the Team showed great commitment and discipline under try conditions. Excellent team work, communication and support in both defence and offence by the whole Team was a credit to all. Well done, let’s keep it up!

Neethling S; Cavell O; Searle M; Formstone E; Balk M; Cleary R; Robinson A; Gregory J.
Kimber T; Amey P; Young S; Yates B; Woolgar  J; Hagen C; Baker O.
(Taylor E; Hicks G; Burns S.)

Brad Yates
 

Saturday, 5th January 2008

TOTTONIANS 15
EASTLEIGH 0

Finally!!! After 5 straight losses on the trot, we managed to break the trend and start the New Year with an inspiring win! Must have had something to do with the return of the Jedi, I mean Captain to the pitch, back to fitness… Well back from injury…
We won the toss, received the ball and it was clear from the start that we were straight into top gear, shacking off our previous run of slow starts. Some good early attacks from the forwards and some probing breaks from Sam Young and Brad Yates set the scene for the first half. It wasn’t long before our forwards had the Eastleigh pack drawn in,  at which point we went wide on the right and back into Ollie Baker to break their line and score our first try of the year.
We were back in their territory not long after and received a penalty on the twenty-two. With a quick tap to the mighty Matt Searle, who showed great form in staying on his feet and with the help of the pack forced over for our second. Soon after, the backs broke the line on the left and James Woolgar was caught a few metres from the line, but was unable to get a clean pop from the turf, unfortunately falling between Sam and Brad, then into touch. With almost immediate effect we again broke the line on the left and this time Ollie Baker was caught a few metres from the line, and was able to offload to Tom Kimber who was right on his heels to follow through and make the try. Half-Time Score: 15 – 0.
Both teams made a number of changes at half time, and it was clear that Eastleigh had beefed up their pack. We kicked off and were immediately driven back into our half, where we effectively remained for the majority of the second half.
Not for want of effort, we tried feverishly to regain possession but it was not forthcoming. Penalty after penalty, breakdown after breakdown and scrum after scrum, yet still we could not get the favour of the whistle. We continued to win the majority of all lines out, but were continually forced into kicking for touch without gaining much ground. Unfortunately, first Colm Hagen and later Tom Young were carded and this reduced our options. With one man down for the majority of the second half we endured wave after wave of attacks from Eastleigh. Our eagerness and commitment to keep them out and try to regain possession was commendable.

Great spirit and discipline under trying conditions in the second half when events weren’t going in our favour were very commendable.  Good start to the New Year and lead up to next weeks league fixture, let’s keep it up!

Taylor E; Cavell O; Searle M; Hagen C; Balk M; Taylor D; Young T; Robinson A.
Kimber T; Amey P; Young S; Yates Y; Woolgar  J; Findlay A; Baker O.
(Burns S; Franks T; Morton J; Williams I; Green M; Lowe M.)

Brad Yates

Saturday, 15th December 2007

TOTTONIANS 7
NEW MILTON 10

Yet again, another week of struggling to get a side, with injuries and last minute drop-outs, even within an hour before the games... So special thanks this week to Ollie, a.k.a Tom Kimber’s mate, who fronted up to play thirty minutes before kick-off. And, Steve Watts who attending the Sponsor’s Lunch and watching our game between courses, had to kit up after Tom Phillips had to leave the pitch injured five minutes before half time. Thanks to you both!
We started about fifteen minutes late as we had to wait for the New Milton team to arrive. But unfortunately, again it was us on the back foot, we had another ’mare in the first quarter of an hour when New Milton scored two tries while we where still changing gears and only had made it to second. We then got into third gear, but were still not making much of an impact. New Milton kept off-loading in the tackle or stealing our ball, keeping us penned into our half for most of the first half. We made a few probing breaks but unfortunately did not have the support to follow through. Then, five minutes before half-time Tom Phillips sustained an injury. It all looked grim. Half-Time Score: 0 – 10.
At the break, we assessed the situation and came out of the corner, the likes not seen since a ‘Rocky Balbao’ scene! We finally got into fourth gear and started to make damage, with some huge hits not only driving them backwards, but lifting and slamming on the deck. Then, what is that coming over the hill? Is it a monster? No, it is Steve Watts packed with half a dozen pints and a full belly to kick us into fifth gear … Tally Ho!
To New Milton's credit, they had to work extremely well in defence to keep us out as we were now well and truly camped in their territory. It was only for the fact that they continually kept spoiling our rucks and mauls, or stealing our ball,  that we struggle to string together more than one phase at a time. By now our tsunamii were taking their toll on them, then out of the chaos shot Shaun Fennell, then committing the defence, left just enough space for Alex Findlay to round their posse and score. Converted by James Woolgar and with twenty minutes to go, this spurred us right on and we now had hit top gear!
Straight back again we commenced the assault, probing their line. But after about five minutes at what looked like us getting a penalty on their five metres line, with us about to go in for the kill, the referee called time — apparently calling an early halt because he was cold! Oh, the humanity!
Thanks to Owen Cavell who captained the side on my behalf and to all whom played, as they had by the end, for putting in a mammoth performance. A commendable effort by all, well done!

Phillips T; Cavell O; Pearson T; Lee A; Hagen C; Young Tom; Young M; Robinson A.
Kimber T; Amey P; Burns S; Fennell S; Woolgar J; Findlay A; Ollie (Tom's mate).
(Watts S.)

Brad Yates

Saturday, 8th December 2007

BOURNEMOUTH 42
TOTTONIANS 10

Yet again, another week of struggling to get a side with last minute drop out’s …
However, I managed to gather thirteen by mid-morning Saturday with the help of Martin’s son Stuart Balk. Then at the last minute, finally got fourteen with the kindness of Gavin William’s offering the services of Andy Gale making his debut for the Three’s this season. Also, making his debut for us was Sam Young. Special thanks’ to those debutants, cheers!

Fortunately, when we arrived Bournemouth sportingly offered a player to complete our outfit.
We started of well in the first five minutes, but this quickly changed with a rolling maul by Bournemouth from the half way to score. Which was then just as swiftly following up with a well drilled backline movement to score. But again we woke up and fought on and started making some inroads through there defence by Craig Bromby. Our persistence was paid with a penalty converted by James Woolgar.
Bournemouth then bounced back with two more tries. We remained determined and fought on and Craig Bromby’s outstanding efforts saw him rewarded with a try under the posts, converted by James Woolgar, before going in to the break.
Half-Time Score: 20 – 10.
At the break, Martin Balk had to retire with a recurring injuring resulting from his knock-out two weeks before. And again, Bournemouth came out and offered us another one of their players as a replacement, which this week saw Owen Cavell take over as captain during the second half.
The second half saw Totts come out fighting. We had lots of possession and breaks coming from Sam Young, Tom Young and Andy Gale, but we struggled this half to get clean the ball which starved the back’s of making any decent impact. Bournemouth got more ball this half, and as a well drilled side, we fought to chase them down and keep them out. All the forwards played a big part in this. In particularly, some notable fox and hound work by James Woolgar and Richard Pye.
Under trying conditions, wet, cold and on the back foot saw the ethos of the Rhirds and another courageous and commendable effort was displayed, as Bournemouth were a tight and dangerous unit. Unfortunately, on the odd occasion when we happened to make the only few mistakes they took advantaged and broke through to score.

Steve Watts; Owen Cavell; Tom Pearson; Martin Balk; Colm Hagen; Tom Young; Sam Young; ---.
Andy Gale; Pete Amey; Stuart Balk; Craig Bromby; Tom Kimber; Richard Pye; James Woolgar.

Special thanks to Bournemouth for their sportsmanship in loaning us two of their players, cheers.
Boy, we gotta sort out our first quarter … but, credit to all as fighting commitment was displayed both in defence and offence under trying conditions. Another champion performance, well done!

Brad Yates

Saturday, 1st December 2007

FORDINGBRIDGE II 17
TOTTONIANS 7

Just when I thought last week was a struggle, the Vets also faced a similar situation and we rallied together in order to pull together a bare fifteen. Then at the last minute, the Second XV fixture was cancelled and we were blessed with three on the bench. However, one of them blew the car up whilst trying to break the land speed record to make it on time, only to be picked up by the their silent brother, but made it twenty minutes after kick-off. Isn’t that right Mark Amey! By the way, what were you doing in Brighton in the early hours of a Saturday morning …?
The first league fixture for some time, we needed to make a mark from the start.
The first ten minutes saw Fordingbridge cruise in for two tries with barely much resistance, until we finally woke up out of our slumber and started playing. From then on, it was all us on the attack, with Fordingbridge having to work hard at keeping us at bay. We made some great breaks and ground, only to be pinned back from their line. Fortunately we continued to maintain most of the possession in the first half. Just as well, as whenever they got the ball, they were dangerous and we had to might hard to keep them out.
Half-Time Score: 12 – 0.
The second half saw the “late” Mark Amey take centre stage and our forward roll took on more ground. This led to Terry Young driving for the line, getting to ground, only to be disallowed by a whisker. Our effort’s were rewarded about fifteen minutes from full time with a try by Mark Amey and converted by James Woolgar. However, by this time the poor discipline by Fordingbridge, and now us adding to it, was getting to the Referee. After a final warning, the next one to walk just happened to be Mark Amey and we were left a man down and much of the wind taken out of our sails. This left the advantage to Fordingbridge and they managed to get a try in five minutes before full time. Mark came back on the pitch three minutes before the whistle but we were unable to gain advantage from our breaks and possession.

Richard Marshall; Tom Young; Terry Young; Nick Timms; Andy Lee; Tom Franks; Gary Holmes; Andy Robinson.
Brad Yates; Pete Amey; Mike White; Martin Dolbear; Grant Taylor; Richard Pye; James Woolgar.
(Mark Amey; Alex Findlay.)

Thanks to all those that fronted this week to honour our league fixture.
We really need to sort out our first quarter, as it again has taken a slap in the face and a kick in the guts before we get our motors running.

Brad Yates

Saturday, 24th November 2007

WINCHESTER 17
TOTTONIANS 14

After having more players than we knew what to do with for the past few weeks, we hit the wall this week and just managed to scrape together sixteen players to face Winchester away. Only when we arrived a “dummy” was tossed and we kick-off with a bare fifteen.
The game started as a rather tight game with neither side giving much away. However, a colliding head-on tackle by Martin Balk left him and the other guy seeing stars. We were now down to fourteen players after just twenty minutes as they both had to depart the field, leaving Pete Amey to take over as captain from Martin. The whole team pulled together and were relentless in defence, with 100% commitment by all. Unfortunately, this left us with an uphill battle and the other side with two tries. This did not deter the spirit of the crew of fourteen and we fought doggedly as a team to keep Winchester at bay.
Our efforts and discipline were rewarded with three penalties which were converted by James Woolgar’s debut at the tee.
Another try by Winchester left us trailing by 17 – 9, but regardless the boys battled on valiantly and were rewarded with an outstanding try by Uche Iwuajoku. The game then remained stalemate and we were unable to snatch another one to get ahead.
Troy Darmonby and Sam Devlin had great games, as did Tom Young standing in at full back this week, thanks guys. Also this week, a notable performance was displayed by Scott Burns, which in the end left him with a sprained wrist, great effort and dedication, cheers!

Martin Balk; Owen Cavell; Steff Neethling; Nick Timms; Andy Lee; Troy Darmonby; Graham Muchmore; Sam Devlin.
Tom Kimber; Pete Amey; Scott Burns; Jerry Alfandaki; James Woolgar; Uche Iwuajoku; Tom Young.

Considering the last time we meet Winchester at home we were defeated 48 – 8 at the start of the season. So this was a tremendous effort and a credit to all players’ who participated. Well done!

Brad Yates

Saturday, 17th November 2007

TOTTONIANS 18
TROJANS 22

I must say that we started off very poorly and the first twenty minutes was all Trojans, who scored two quick tries. It was a return of the dismal performance of two weeks ago against Portsmouth Vets. Only Andy Farley was pulling his weight and I could hear his frustrations. Fortunately, the boys decided to start to play rugby and we were rewarded with a penalty, converted by Pete Amey. Just as I thought we were about to go in for a try, an intercept was taken from Colm Hagen and Trojans went in for their third.
It looked bleak. However, credit to the guys, they fought on, making ground, and the pressure was taking its toll, as not only were our boys starting to cause casualties on them, but they were making more changes than an all night stripper — this evidently continued throughout the game.
Just before half time, after having all the possession in the remainder of the first half time, Pete Amey slipped a lovely, well-delivered kick through their centres, bouncing perfectly for Richard Pye to take our first try of the day. Five minutes later, we drew close to end the first half, score 8 – 15.
The second half, we saw some major changes occur to spark some flame, which had the inevitable desire result. We retained possession for the majority of the second half and credit to the Trojans, they not only held us out but looked very dangerous when they had possessions and were allowed to run. Fortunately this only occurred on a few occasions, but they had more spares than Kwik-Fit!
Continuing to retain possession, about ten minutes into the half we were rewarded with another try, this one coming from by James Woolgar in his first appearance as outside centre for us this season. Graham Muchmore and Rob Blackman made a noticeable impact to our forwards and again Sam Devlin was prominent all game. The pressure was starting to show and we were again rewarded with a penalty, but Pete was unable to convert on this occasion (Pete, get yourself a kicking TEE!).
We kept up the pace and were rewarded with another cracking try from the forwards, then backs and finishing off with Richard Pye in the corner. A much improved performance all round. It looked like we were going to steal the game, now getting ahead 18 – 15. Unfortunately a lapse of concentration, a few missed tackles, not cleaning up and a suspect challenge by Tom Young a few metres from our line was punished by a penalty try being awarded, easily converted for Trojans to take the lead 18 – 22. By now, the revolving doors of the Trojan horses were well and truly flapping in the wind, just as much as the lips of their supporters — in fact, come to mention it, some of our “supporters” were not that far behind them!  We continued to fight on but to no avail, and the score remained unchanged to the final whistle.

Watts; Young T; Neethling; Balk; Lee; Young M; Franks; Devlin.
Kimber; Amey P; Hagen; Farley; Alfandaki; Pye.
(Denver; Muchmore; Lowe; Burns; Blackman.)

Looking towards next week: We play our first league fixture for three weeks and we cannot afford to wait until we get slapped in the face before we wake up and start playing the game. We need to work hard in the prep and the off, maintain our discipline for the full eighty minutes, maintain low missed tackles and penalties counts, and continue with our good communication, support play and hard work. Every game matters... !

 Brad Yates

Saturday 10th November 2007

STONEHAM 0
TOTTONIANS 52

After last week, we needed rectify a few issues which led to our defeat, particularly in our prep and first half performance and leadership from our senior players. These issues were taken care of and the final result was an outcome of this.
The game started off very even for the first fifteen minutes with neither side giving much away. We kept a tidy game, building off a solid platform from the forwards, which resulted in space and ground for James Woolgar to run in the first of our eight tries. Not long after this, Afareti Tonu burst through their defences to get the first of his three tries. Not to be outdone, the forwards, off a line out fifteen yards from their line being lead by Joel Gregory, mauled over providing Craig Gray another try this week. However, some of Crag’s hard work saw him have to leave the pitch five minutes before half time with an injured shoulder, which saw another new Steff recruit, Sam Devlin join our ranks to take over. Then continuing on great work from our forwards and solid runs from Steff Neethling, Afareti Tonu again split their line to cross over for his second just before half time. Half time score 0 – 26
The half time break saw Joel Gregory retire through falling without a parachute and hitting the deck. Sam Devlin went into No.8 and Scott Burns joined in the flanks. With Craig and now Joel off the deck, it took some of the wind out of our sails as these two where quite prevalent in the first half. And again the first fifteen minutes were close with Stoneham showing some signs they were not giving up and we still needed to be on top of our game, particular in our first up tackles. But it wasn’t long before Sam Devlin took over from where Joel left off. Solid work again from Steve Watts, Steff Neethling and Andy Lee, returning from a short absence, started to make good ground. This gave plenty of time and space for Nick Lowe and Pete Amey to provide great ball to the backs, seeing Dave Robinson to shortly cross the line for his first. A quick succession of changes saw James Woolgar come off, Colm Hagen on, and Elliot Green shuffle into fullback, which saw him start to open up some gaps. Not long after, Uche Iwuajoku, the other of Steff’s recruits, came on to replace Richard Pye, but not before Richard was rewarded with a try from some great work and an unselfish pass from Elliot Green. The A good platform from the forwards set up Dave Robinson to burst through for his second and Afareti Tonu for his third.
A much improved performance. Leadership on the pitch by this week's acting captain Martin Balk was prevalent, assisted by the senior forwards, as well as Mark Young and Tom Young with their standard continuous efforts each week. This was supported by Pete Amey acting as vice captain, leading the backs and kicking six out of eight conversations. Much better, a good all round performance and team effort, job well done!!!

Steve Watts; Tom Young; Steff Neethling; Martin Balk; Andy Lee; Mark Young; Craig Gray; Joel Gregory.
Nick Lowe; Pete Amey; Richard Pye; Afareti Tonu; Dave Robinson; Elliot Green; James Woolgar.
(Sam Devlin; Colm Hagen; Uche Iwuajoku; Scott Burns.)

Looking towards next week: Need to tidy up broken play quicker, maintain our good discipline, low penalty count. Continue to concentrate on making first up tackles and continue with our good communication and support play.

 Brad Yates

Saturday 3rd November 2007

PORTSMOUTH VETS 31
TOTTONIANS 15

Totts receiving the kick off made a good start with early pressure forcing Portsmouth into a number of infringements at breakdowns, leading to Pete Amey opening the scoring with a penalty kick. Portsmouth quickly responded with a long range drop goal. Portsmouth then started to run hard and fast at the large gaps left in our defence by over commitments at the breakdowns, scoring tries with ease which resulted in a half time score line of 31 – 3.
Some tactical replacements, combined with our continued domination at lines out, saw a much improved second half performance. In between many visits to the blood bin Andy Farley scored Totts' first try from a chip and chase, which Pete Amey failed to convert — sponsor required for a kicking tee!
Good defence stopped Portsmouth from taking advantage of many penalties awarded, before Joel Gregory burst through the Pompey defence to cross the line under the sticks. Pete Amey converted this despite the lack of kicking tee.

Martin Balk

This week’s round-up: Major collateral damage was unnecessarily inflicted in the first half due to a general lack in performance and commitment, not withstanding a second half comeback.
Looking forward next week: Consider the errors that occurred this week and ensure these are rectified and addressed over the next two weeks as we lead up to our next league fixture.

Brad Yates

Saturday 27th October 2007

TOTTONIANS 23
ELLINGHAM & RINGWOOD 3

Again, many players available this week, with around forty turning up for training last Tuesday evening, making selection very difficult this week, but all the same a good situation to be in, both from the Club and the Third Team’s perspective. Yet again, this saw some players being offered to our Vet’s side to get some game time, or miss out completely, due to either not training or not playing the week before. Also, I had sustained a knee injury from last week’s game, leaving me to manage the Team from the sideline this week, and handing over the Captaincy to Andy Farley.
From the kick-off it was clearly going to be a tough game, particularly with Ellingham and ourselves on the same points and ratio in the league table. However, we pressured them from the start and never let off. The only times we were driven back were due to our own lapses in discipline, giving away penalties and extra yards for lip. Our efforts were rewarded with a penalty thirty yards out, which was put away by Danny Scott. But not long after, we were returned the favour by E & R, who successfully converted their penalty. Some fast breaks by Graham Muchmore from the scrum saw E & R being driven back, along with some great counter attacks by James Woolgar at fullback, with a few mighty kicks keeping them nailed in their twenty-two. A mighty chase on one occasion saw Andy Farley cross the line for our first try. Danny Scott was unable to convert the try, but just before the break we were rewarded with another penalty, with which he was successful. Half Time score 11 - 3.
The second half was a similar affair — we had to continue to work hard and our forwards worked diligently to maintain possession. However, a few of our first up tackles were not happening, making the visitors look dangerous on occasion, as in the first half. Fortunately, we were able to recover and put out any attempt to cross our line, from either breaks in the backs or drives from their forwards.  An accidental offence by Tom Young saw him yellow carded, spending ten minutes in the sin bin. However, all credit to the team, one man down did not make any difference to either our defence or offence and we were rewarded with a try, seeing Richard Pye cross the line from a great pass from Graham Muchmore. At this time, Danny Scott had to handover the kicking duties to Nick Lowe, as he had been on the receiving end of another crunching tackle similar to one sustained in the first half, but remained on the field.
We continued to step up the pace, finally sorting out our discipline, along with good support, and eventually Richard Pye then returned his earlier favour with a pass to Andy Farley, sending Andy in for his second try. Apart from a few missed tackles this week, and a lapse in our discipline, we continue with our good support and communication. Another top performance by all players, frustrating at times from the sideline, but a cracking performance and 23 – 3 result!
Well done Team and Andy Farley!

Looking towards next week: Need a concerted effort to retain our discipline, maintain our low penalty count, and continue with our good communication and support play.

Brad Yates

Saturday 20th October 2007

TOTTONIANS 56
FAREHAM HEATHENS II 0

A lot of players were again available this week, which saw some being offered to our Vets' side to get some game time, or miss out completely, due to either not training or not playing the week before.
The first half stared well from the kick-off and immediately saw us playing most of the game in the opposition's half. The forwards worked hard maintaining possession and were rewarded with a try under the post by Joe Searle. Fareham Heathens fought back with us having to defend our line, which we did successfully, but took a casualty in Andy Robinson having to retire early with an injured hand. Shortly afterwards, Brad Yates and then Andy Farley went in for their first of two tries each, and with a penalty to boot, saw us go into the half time break confident and what looked like a well oiled machine. Half Time Score 24 - 0.
The second half was much the same, our forwards continued to work hard in either maintaining possession or retrieving possession, drawing in their forwards leaving our backs space and time to either run through or around their defence. Credit to Fareham Heathers, they continued to fight back and on accession tested our defence. However, we were well up for it and no cracks developed. Another well-worked try from the forwards' platform, linking with the backs, saw Andy Farley go in for his second. Then, almost directly from the return kick, came a might run from Rhys Clarey from broken play, through and around half of the opposition from our twenty-two metres line. We continued to pressure their line and were rewarded with a penalty. Midway through the second half saw a new arrival on our team with Danny Scott stepping in at scrum half. We continued our assault, seeing Brad Yates break through their line again for his second try, along with another penalty under the posts. Not from want of trying but both Andy and Brad were robbed of their hat-tricks after being called back several times....
Totts' forwards had a sterling game, which resulted in maintaining most of the possession, providing a solid platform for the backs to work off. Perfect discipline, communication and support both in defence and offence by all, with only a few missed tackles and penalties. A well deserved win and credit to all!

Looking towards next week — Maintain the good discipline and low penalty count, along with low missed tackles, good communication and support.

Brad Yates

Saturday 13th October 2007

SALISBURY 17
TOTTONIANS 5

Totts III were disappointed to return form their journey to the Spire City with another loss, following a battling performance against one of the strongest third teams they are likely to meet this season. The fact that the game was played on the wide open spaces of the first team pitch, rather than the interestingly laid out pitches below the castle, signalled that this was to be a breathless game.
From the kick off, the phases were unrelenting with some powerful defence from the Totts' back row, matched by some more subtle tackling in the backs. Salisbury got within five metres of the visitors' line several times, only to be turned over or forced into a mistake. In attack, Totts looked competent and some good breaks by Andy “the mouth” Farley just required the finishing touch of a pass (or a pop or look or anything, any kind of pass would have done, you know you are allowed to release the ball before the tackle ...!). The fast flowing game came to a sudden halt when Steve “not much hair” Noble received a slight shaving nick to the head and had to be sent to the sideline for a few scraps of toilet paper. From the restart, Totts attacked ferociously only to gift Salisbury the first try. A misplaced pass bounced kindly for the impressive home side inside centre who made his way, somewhat indirectly, to the try line. Not to be disheartened Totts continued to press forward with the help of the big boot of captain Brad “not in the final” Yates and some searing drives from Martin “the axe” Balk. However Totts could not make the vital break through and went into half time 7 – 0 down.
The second half started with a lapse in concentration and a mistake, which gifted Salisbury another easy try in the corner. Again Totts battled on with the pack leading the charge. A good break from Totts' replacement No.8 lead to a slip inside path from Steve “the knees” and MAN OF THE MATCH Graham “white men can’t jump” Muchmore staggered over in the corner from fifteen yards with seemingly the whole Salisbury backline hanging off him. The gap was down to 12 – 5. In the final moments of the match, with Balky looking all of his forty-eight years, Salisbury scored a well worked flowing try with forward and back interplay, creating space for their winger to cruise over the line.
All in all it was a strong performance that would have beaten most of the sides to be encountered this season.

Nick Timms

Saturday 29th September 2007

TOTTONIANS 7
PORTSMOUTH VETS 10

Unfortunately this week saw Fordingbridge II unable to send a team to make our league commitment. However, thankfully Portsmouth Vets agreed to come over and give us a game, even though they did not have a full squad. Fortunately we had an over supply this week and were able to help out, thanks to the sportsmanship of our players that did.
We kick-off the first half and it was clear both teams were up for a strong game from the start. Both teams were putting in a lot of pressure both in offence and defence. There was not much give by either side, which saw Portsmouth having to kick for ground, and take a few drop goals, on one occasion finding a successful attempt about mid way through first half, 3 – 0. Again, the game went back to a similar tug-of-war, until a few handling errors and penalties saw us fighting to keep them from our line. On one occasion we were sucked-in and failed to drifted adequately close to our line, Portsmouth got the first try of the day breaching our defence, 10 – 0.
Quite a few changes were made to give everyone as much play-time as possible.
This time it was our turn to receive and we took it to Portsmouth. Again, it was a close half with most of the play centred around the mid-field and as such, saw Portsmouth having to kick for ground. This delighted the likes of myself, Andy Lee and James Woodley running the ball back, gaining much ground and back into their half on each occasion. (James also did this to us in the first half). Unfortunately, we gave away an unnecessary penalty in range. It was unsuccessful, but they were given another go as some silly plonker on our side was talking. Fortunately this also missed, was caught by myself and I ran it back to the halfway line. Again, we saw Portsmouth having to kick for ground, this time though yours truly caught the ball in our half, run around numerous opponents, burst between two players on the half-way line, then around the rest of the back line, only to be caught near the try line, as I was helping Pete out with the conversion, however I took this player over the line with me to score near the posts. Champagne!
We continued with our attack, but a few silly handling errors and penalties saw some of the fruits of our work go sour. I won’t mention any names, but you know, don’t you…
The score remained unchanged with another narrow defeat 10 – 7.
Great effort and well done, a really good all round performance. Thanks again to the players that filled in for Portsmouth, Cheers!

Try: Brad Yates; Conversion: Pete Amey.

All players put in a big crack this week building on our efforts from last week. We managed to reduce our penalty count, but this week saw some handling errors let us down. Also, we managed to control our rucks and mauls better, we just need to protect the ball from prying hands and not expect the referee to put it up for us.
Looking towards next week: Maintain our current good defence. Continue on keeping our penalty count down, protect the ball in the rucks and mauls, and reduce our handling errors.

McLaughlin; Young T; Balk; Noble; Green; Searle J; (Franks;) Young M; (Muchmore;) Angell.
Lowe; Amey P; Dolbear; (Lee;) Farley; Yates; (Rushton;) Pye; (Yates;) Colm; (Woodley;).
(Eustace R;)

Brad Yates

Saturday 22nd September 2007

NEW MILTON 14
TOTTONIANS 12

We saw another week of trying to scratch a side together, finally achieving sixteen players. However, unfortunately only one was a prop, so we had to commence the game with uncontested scrums. A big mention to Scott Burns, who stood up to the plate to stand in at prop. All credit to him as he put in a maximum effort for three quarters of the game, until we gave him a rest and threw James Woodley in to finish off.
We received the ball first and played well. But, whenever New Milton got the ball, they hoofed it in into our half and pinned us down for most of the first half. We defended well, on occasion getting out attacking their territory, but New Milton continued to play the advantage of safety with the boot.  The guest appearance of Mike Green taking charge of our forward pack took us all up a gear from last week, leading the way. Particularly with two outstanding try saving tackles from Ryan Eustace and Tom Young really made New Milton work for it. We defended well on the whole, but a couple of cracks developed and on two occasions New Milton squeezed through us and we conceded two tries. We went into the break down 14 – 0.
With a sense of urgency, we really took the second half by the horns. Again, a panting and puffing Mike Green marshalled the pack forward. An early penalty to New Milton in our half was unsuccessful. Undeterred, we fought on and upon pressing their line hard in the third quarter saw a Graham Muchmore pick up, dart, dodge, hop, skip and a jump taking a few opposition for a ride to score in the corner. Unfortunately Pete Amey was close, but unable to convert. This spurred us on even more and not long after, on the half way line was a mass of colours and bodies in a monster ruck. Then time seemed to stand still, and out of the carnage popped a mighty Steve “John” Denver to runaway literally unchallenged and score our second try under the bar and was this time it was converted by Pete.
We were now steaming and could smell another one try looming, but unfortunately we let ourselves down by giving away too many ‘avoidable’ silly penalties in the last ten minutes, which drove our attacks back and took the wind out of our sails. Fortunately, our defences held up, so at the final whistle we were narrowly defeated 14 – 12.

Great effort and well done! We picked up our game and work rate from last week. Just need to concentrate on managing our rucks and phases in a more controlled manner, giving our back’s more time and opportunity with the ball.

Looking towards next week: Need to keep the penalty count down and more control in the rucks, not rush our play.

 Brad Yates

Saturday 15th September 2007

ROMSEY II 7
TOTTONIANS 26

After a rather hectic week of scrabbling around trying to get enough players to ensure that the Club managed to get four sides out, it was a relief to get our first merit table game of the season underway.
The first half stared well with Totts having much of the possession. The forwards enjoyed having the ball, leaving the backs to enjoy the sunny afternoon. The score card remained blank until, five minutes before half time, a good run by Neil Angell resulted in Romsey being penalised at the ruck. A quick tap penalty saw Andy Farley scamper across the whitewash. Pete Amey converted.
Half-Time Score: 0 – 7.
Early in the second half a good run and offload by Big Goochy, allowed Andy Farley to cross the line again with ease. Pete Amey added the extras. As the backs became more involved in the game, Pete Amey was able to offload to Andy Farley in front of the try line, ensuring that he had to buy a jug! Duly converted by Pete Amey. Some weak tackling allowed ex-Tottonian Spencer to open the scoring for Romsey, they added the extra two, 7 – 21.
The final try, which was unconverted and brought the score to 7 – 26, came from Tottonians debutant James Woodley.
Good set-piece work by the forwards, strong scrum through out the game, the colour coded five man lineout worked well and calling the line out before forming. The forwards tended to take the ball on one breakdown too far, resulting in lack of ball for the backs. Generally a good all round effort with all replacements used.

Looking towards next week: Let’s keep up the good work. Martin Balk with a little help …

Brad Yates

Saturday 8th September 2007

WINCHESTER 48
TOTTONIANS 8

We finally got the first game of the season out of the way and not quite the result we would have hoped for. However, the score was not a true reflection of the effort and good work against a well drilled Winchester side that had already a had couple of games under their belt, and the very hot conditions.
We won the toss and received with the sun on our backs and retained possession for most of the first quarter in their half and were rewarded with a penalty which was converted Pete Amey. We continued maintained a lot of possession, but were unable to break through the Winchester defence. Likewise, they were unable to break though ours. However, on the first occasion they were able to retain possession, we committed too many to the rucks and mauls, which stretched our defence, allowing them to create an overlap and run around us in for their first try. Unfortunately, this scenario occurred on a few more occasions in the later of the first half and we went into the break 22 – 3 down.
In the second half we made a lot of changes to give everyone as much of a first game as possible. Regardless of this, we kicked-off and again we dominated the first twenty minutes. Playing in their half and off a line-out, received by Andy Nicholls, who manage to break through their defence and run in our first try of the season. We continued to maintain a lot of possession and made some good breaks. However, we often lacked the support to follow through and Winchester was very good defensively, either closing in quickly or smoothing any second phase opportunity. Again, we continued to over commit to the rucks and mauls, allowing them to create the overlap too easily and were unable to answer this or drift enough to compensate. Winchester were also very good at taking the quick tap or lineout, which caught us out on more than once. However, on one occasion Darren McLaughlin was floating in the backline and out of nowhere put a tremendous hit on Winchester’s No.13, which stop him instantly in his tracks. Problem though, it also knocked Darren for six and he took a well earned early rest. Regrettably, we allowed them too much space on the side of the park and finally went down 48 – 8.
The scored board was not quite a true reflection of our performance, with very good discipline and defence resulting in only a few missed tackles and penalties. Generally, very good defence not breaking our line, making them have to swing wide to get around us. We made some good breaks and ground, but were unable to find support or retain possession.

Brad Yates

REPORTS FOR 2006-2007 SEASON

Saturday 13th January 2007

With the weather conditions not much different from last week and with a few forced changes, this last-minute game was lucky to go ahead, especially as Rob Angell gave me directions while in a board meeting in “The Heath” on a Friday night! We only got lost once on the way, because Ben's sat nav didn't have the street name we were looking for (cheap Christmas pressie).
Having arrived early enough, we found time to have a good warm-up (cheers Andy).
Totts won the toss and decided to go into the wind in the first half, with both teams looking to attack from the off. Fleet had the upper hand with the wind at their backs and only some resolute defending stopped them from scoring. Totts kept on making some decent half-breaks to relieve the pressure, our pack was working very hard at this time with Mark Amey (No! He wasn't on the bench!) picking up at No.8 and making good ground. But with the wind behind them Fleet were keeping us pinned back. After a ten minute spell camped on our line, the big Fleet forwards managed to dive over for a deserved score, which was duly converted. The pattern of the first half remained the same, the Totts' centres of Andy “Scottish” Farley and debutant Joe Searle tackling superbly to keep Fleet out. Half-time 7 – 0.
Now with the wind advantage, the second half started well for Tottonians as some big kicks to the corners kept Fleet pinned back. From a penalty, Mark Amey powered over for a deserved score but the conversion attempt was unsuccessful. 7 – 5 with our heads up, Totts started playing some good sweeping moves, then a very good break from Joe Searle was recycled and good hands saw Scottish scoring wide left of the posts to put us in the lead 7 – 10.
The game carried on in this fashion, with Fleet defending well under pressure but the score line held to the final whistle.
I would like to thank Fleet for making us so welcome and for giving us a good hard game of rugby. Andy kept his throwing up record in Aldershot, after downing his “Man Of The Match” pint and re-decorating the floor of their bar!

Pete Amey

Saturday 6th January 2007

Like all matches on this week, the weather conditions were really good! We started the first half against the wind and after the first five minutes the weather deteriorated even further, with Totts defending very well and some crunching tackles coming in from impressive full-back Brad Yates saving our line. Totts were still looking to break out, with Ellingham getting more and more frustrated as the match wore on. A five metre scrum broke blind and with a nice pop back inside Ellingham got the score they probably deserved after so much pressure, which was well converted in the conditions. Totts defended superbly through-out the rest of the first half with our back row of Nick Amey, Andy Robinson, and Mark Young tackling and covering superbly. Half time score 0 – 7.
With a couple of changes at the interval with Ben Mcguire and Andy Nichols both coming on and the wind at our backs, Totts started brightly trying to put some moves together and putting more and more pressure on Ellingham, who were finding it harder to play against the  gale force wind. With a good pick up from Nick Amey the ball got shifted down the line which resulted in Richard Pye stripping his man and scoring a good try at the Water Lane end. The conversion was unluckily missed because I got my water-skis crossed! With a score under our belts, Totts heads picked up and the impressive Benji Mcguire couldn't make up his mind which way to run, (he said afterwards that he was probing for gaps!) scoring a good try to the left of the posts, with the conversion attempt hitting the upright, bringing the score to 10 – 7. Totts were getting on a roll now with Ellingham using more than the allowed 3 subs (we counted at least 6). Ellingham were getting more and more disheartened as the game wore on. With the impressive Totts pack dominating the set plays, we again were camping in Ellingham's twenty-two. From a scrum, some lovely quick hands from the backs (yes Scottish passed , second time this season!) resulting in Jonny Millan scoring in the corner. Again, the conversion was narrowly missed (!), making the final score 15 – 7.
I would like to thank all the players for the tremendous effort again put in to win a merit table game.

Pete Amey

Saturday 25th November 2006

As in previous visits to Ellingham & Ringwood, we knew we would be facing a tough game! Again we only turned up with 16 players (as some 2nd XV players didn't turn up so we all had to improvise and lost our subs). As we arrived the referee voiced his concerns over the pitch being too wet, but after a quick conversation with the opposing captain we decided to play.
Totts started with the wind to our backs and put some good early pressure on our hosts, with both teams trying to play rugby on a very water-logged pitch. The game was moving very fast with the impressive Tom Young taking some ball against the head, and some good play from the centres. Totts started putting more pressure on Ellingham but attack after attack was being repelled, with a successful penalty twenty-two metres out and in front of the posts being all we had to show for our efforts,  so at half time we had edged 0 –3 in front.
The second half started as the first finished, with Totts looking for openings. With the weather deteriorating even further, Ellingham were kicking well into the corners, putting us on the back foot. Then from a line-out from the twenty-two Ellingham put some good phases together, resulting in a try in the corner but the conversion was missed, 5 – 3.
With Totts tiring and the good use of their subs bringing on fresh legs, Ellingham started  to put some good plays together, which again saw them score just to the right of the posts, which was well converted, 12 – 3 bringing the scoring to a close.
With both teams putting in enormous efforts in the conditions, I would like to thank everyone involved with a special thanks to Tom Peddler from the vets who had a cracking game  

Young Tel; Young Tom; Watts; Noble; Balk; Young M; Muchmore; Amey N.
Smith K; Amey P; Farley; Yates; Millan; Dolbear; Peddler.
 (Young G.)

Pete Amey
 

Saturday 11th November 2006

It was nice to turn up and have seventeen players, which we promptly turned into sixteen, giving Fordingbridge our experienced front row forward Martin Bulk (he played there last week for the vets!). With our usual highly charged warm-up working against us, we started very slowly (our second row Charlie being unavailable, playing at No.8 for Fordingbridge!).
With Fordingbridge trying to play off our mistakes, they took a deserved lead  through a try just to the right of the posts which was duly converted by their No.10, 0 – 7. Totts were beginning to put some effective phases together by now,  but the final ball was just missing. A soft penalty was given away by Totts just in front of the posts. Again it was kicked by Ford's No.10 to gift the visitors a 0 – 10 lead. This seemed to wake Totts up and our usually impressive No.8 Nick Amey raced over for a score in the corner which was duly converted.
With Totts' confidence building, we were still trying to play at 110 miles an hour. Some good handling by the Totts' midfield gave Richard Pye the opportunity to skin his man and score in the corner, which again was converted.
Half-time, 14 – 10.
With some very choice words at half-time, Tottonians came out with all guns blazing for the second half and some good pressure saw Nick Amey get his second try in the corner, which took the score to 21 – 10 after a successful conversion. With the game becoming more contested in the set plays by each team, it was really end to end, with the try of the game coming with a 30 metre sprint for the line from Terry “that's how you do it boys” Young, which again was converted, bringing the score to 28 – 10 which is how it stayed.
Before the game Fordingbridge were second in the Merit Table with three out of three wins, so this result will keep the pressure on top team Fareham Heathens. Well done chaps!

Pete Amey
 

Saturday 21st October 2006

TOTTONIANS 12
PORTSMOUTH 0

Saturday 14th October 2006

 NEW MILTON 17
TOTTONIANS 20

Saturday 30th September 2006

 ALDERSHOT 10
  TOTTONIANS 47

Saturday 23rd September 2006

FAREHAM HEATHENS II 10
    TOTTONIANS 3

From the start of the game Fareham Heathens came out strongly, putting a lot of pressure on Totts. Only a couple of dropped passes stopped them from scoring. Our defence were tackling superbly. With the back row of Nick Amey, Grahame Muchmore and Mark Young working very hard, Totts started to get back in the game from a platform of good defence. We put together some good moves, only to be thwarted by some solid defending from Heathens. After being camped in their twenty-two for a while, a penalty was duly kicked giving us a 0 – 3 lead. Fareham came back strongly again and two missed tackles cost us dear, with them scoring a try. The half time score was 5 – 3 with Neil Angell coming on in his accustomed second row position. Our hosts again started the second half with a try, the conversion was missed again, 10 – 3. The second half was contested very strongly from both teams, with the highlight of Scottish Andy being clocked and not knowing where he was! (He actually passed out, then got a round in after without whingeing too much!!) Defensively, the whole team can be pleased with their performance after soaking up all the pressure. The real difference between the teams was Fareham trained more than us!

Daz; Young (Tom); Young (Terry); Noble (Steve); Balk; Young M; Muchmore; Amey N.
Smith K; Amey P; Yates; Farley; Denver; Dolbear M.
(Young G; Angell; Noble (Scott).)

Pete Amey

Saturday 16th September 2006

TOTTONIANS 26
EASTLEIGH 12

With more players available since the Southampton game, the first twenty minutes was all Tottonians, but we only had seven points to show for it, with only the impressive Nick Amey at No.8 going over. With our pack winning all our ball and a fair few of Eastleigh's, we were well in charge until the visitors put together a fine counter attack which saw them score in the corner. They missed the conversion though. Scottish Andy and John Denver dominated in the centres with some tough tackling (keep them lower Andy). Totts again put massive pressure on the Eastleigh team with a fine move finished by John Denver under the posts. Half time 14 – 5.
Eastleigh started the second half very strongly with a good converted try to bring them within two points at 14 – 12. That seemed to wake us up and with a fine pick up at No.8, Nick Amey went over in the corner for his second try of the game. With the extra weight in the centres starting to tell, John Denver went under the posts for his second try of the game (it was his first win in six outings for Totts). With one sin-binning apiece, Tottonians were very much in control for the rest of the game.
A special thanks to Tony Holmes who made his debut at prop (or we wouldn't have played), and Luke Dollard who played full back for us.

Holmes; Young T; Woodnutt; Balk; Noble S; Young M; Muchmore; Amey N;
Smith K; Amey P; Pye; Scottish; Denver; Hagan; Dollard.
(Young G; Dolbear; Millan; North Daz; Craig.)
Thank you North Daz for ending your retirement!

Pete Amey

REPORTS PREVIOUS TO 2006-2007 SEASON

Saturday 30th October 2004

ALDERSHOT & FLEET 18
TOTTONIANS 30

Tottonians Third XV made history by selecting five props in their team to play this league fixture — although this relative luxury was mitigated by being short of our first choice halfbacks and having to play a loose-forward in the centre!

Totts fielded the ball first and despite initially controlling the possession got turned over and then conceded a penalty near the posts that was converted.

Totts struck back with a good try by Richard Prior after a mazy run through the middle and then beating the cover for pace around the right wing for a score converted Pete Amey.

We were winning the lineout possession and pushing the Aldershot scrum back on their own ball, but the home side kept up the pressure by taking many quick tap penalties and tried to avoid the set pieces. It was just reward then and almost against the run of play when they ran a back-line move and their winger rounded ours (or was it Terry Young on the wing?) for an un-converted score and to nose in front 8 – 7.

However, the possession and pressure paid off for Totts, when Russell Warren scored his obligatory try, from a close range quick tap taken by  Darren McLaughlin (but in the corner to the annoyance of Pete Amey), and then Richard Prior put in another telling run to beat a number of tacklers and go over for his second.

Totts turned round with a comfortable 8 –17 lead and approached the second half with confidence.

For the first twenty minutes of the second half it was all Tottonians, with Darren McLaughlin making some great runs that fired up the pack. Totts pressure led to two penalties that were converted followed by a typical Andy (can’t pass – won’t pass) try from a crash ball through the middle that took him over next to the posts to increase our advantage to 8 – 30.

At this point it appeared as though Totts thought the job was done, but spurred on by increasing vociferous support, the home side came back with first a penalty and then a try near the posts.

With the score at 18 – 30, the last ten minutes were tense, with Totts still winning most of the lineout and scrum ball, but finding it very hard to relieve the pressure. We were forced into a number of good tackles and had to hold the ball up over their line at least once before the final whistle — their scrum and lineout supremacy winning the day.

While we trooped off the field with the satisfaction of a victory, the suspicion remained that it was rather harder work than it should have been!

Tony Holmes

Saturday, 23rd October 2004

TOTTONIANS   5
SOUTHAMPTON VETS  50

With Petersfield crying off their league game against Tottonians THIRD XV due to a lack of front row forwards being available, we had a re-arranged friendly against Southampton Veterans.
Tottonians fielded a relatively inexperienced team, and the blustery wind and drenching rain made the conditions ideal for veterans' style of play.

Totts won the toss and decided to play with the wind — hoping to tire the older vets' pack when they had the advantage in the second half.

From the kick-off Totts spilled the ball and the opposition quickly retrieved it, hit it up through a couple of rucks and the visitors' fly-half cut through the ball-watching Totts backs, for a soft score.

The opposition quickly established a pattern of completely dominating the line-outs on both throws (Totts ace lineout man Mickey being unavailable for the game), mauling the ball great distances up the field, and re-cycling the ball (illegally according to some) at will from the rucks. Southampton scored two more tries before Totts showed what they could do, when they run and shifted the ball by a good back-line move to out-flank the opposition and score a try. Steve Lawrence and Pete Amey were using the wind to good effect and despite not having much possession, Totts turned around into the wind with the score 5 –15.

Unfortunately for Tottonians, the veteran team did not tire substantially and it was our defence that were tiring from tackling large fellows all day! Using the strong wind and a heavier and more experienced pack, the opposition completely dominated the second half scoring another 35 points without reply.

Richard Prior made a couple of good runs at the opposition from missed touch kicks, but Totts were unable to hold onto the ball for long enough to make any impression on the scoreboard, resulting in frustration on the field and in the bar afterwards.

Tony Holmes

Saturday, 9th October 2004

TOTTONIANS   60
ROMSEY II 17

Mickey Grimes came up with a cunning plan to lull our visitors into a false sense of security, by relying on some late arrivals and last minute Clubhouse recruitments to fill the team!
Romsey must have been brimmed with confidence watching the opposition squad of twelve regularly spill the ball during the warm-up drills, while they had a full team including a couple of lumpy lads in the pack.

However, Martin Dolbear and James Pidgely arrived on the kick-off and the Romsey captain (with some sort of premonition of what was to come perhaps) was heard warning his team, “They’ve got fourteen now, lads!”

As Totts had practised the line-out with five men with a quick ball off the top, we started with this tactic from the first line-out, which produced good ball for the Totts back-row (standing in the centres now) — with Clive Wilkes in the vanguard — to run into their backs, making great yardage. From the resultant phases, Totts scored in the left hand side of the pitch. Just minutes later an almost carbon copy move produced a try in the opposite side of the pitch. Mickey Grimes was effectively spoiling Romsey’s throw-in too, and this tactic worked so well that we never played with a full line out throughout the rest of game.

Tottonians scrum was solid and with all the possession we were getting, Romsey were 20 – 0 down before they could mount any concerted attack on our goal line. Chris Edwards was controlling the play well from fly half and our two centres, Andy Northern and Martin Dolbear, carved through the opposition repeatedly on attack, whilst shutting them down on defence, both getting on the score sheet at some point.

Your reporter, (Tony Holmes) apologises for being a bit vague about the scorers, as his head was buried in the second row and was usually a long way away from the play when the tries where scored! The exception was when he scored his own excellent try, of course - scything through from five5 meters).

The try of the half went to Russell Warren whom fielded the ball standing in his prop position near the right-hand touchline, slipped the tackle from the first chaser by going outside, and then went haring straight down the touchline and over in the right-hand corner.

The Romsey heads were down by half-time, (they were facing a 30 point deficit) and the game was over as a contest. This was further exacerbated by their tight-head picking up an injury that meant the scrums where uncontested for most of the second half. The game became very loose and Totts ran in a few more tries (and missed even more) — but were to concede one before the final whistle.
It is difficult to judge the merits of this Totts' performance against a team that in previous seasons have had our measure, but they were completely out-classed on occasion.

Tony Holmes

Saturday, 18th September 2004

TOTTONIANS   5
BOURNEMOUTH II  15

Both teams were changed and raring to go in this fixture, secured only on the previous Tuesday, when it was realised that no referee had turned up. As he was unable to cajole anyone out of the clubhouse and into the rain to perform this duty, Mickey Grimes took the responsibility upon himself to be the whistle-man. He entertained both teams with his commentary throughout the match!
The game started with a Bournemouth kick-off and they encamped in Totts’ territory for much of the half. Despite some tenacious defending the pressure eventually told and Bournemouth scored a try from a ruck close to our line that was not converted to put the 0 –5 ahead. We won our fair share of possession during this time, and our backs frequently caught the visitors behind the advantage line. Unfortunately, we could not string enough phases together to put the Dorset side under pressure. The second try came somewhat fortuitously for our visitors as they ran the ball into our twenty-two and our backs came up forcing the error, only for the ball to bounce free and into the hands of a charging Bournemouth centre. He run through a gap and over the line. About thirty minutes into the game, the Bournemouth tight-head ran into Darren Woodnutt’s elbow and had to leave the field. For the remainder of the game the scrums were uncontested. The conditions steadily deteriorated throughout the half and both sides found handling difficult, resulting in numerous turnovers throughout the game.
We turned around 0 – 10 down, but feeling that we were by no means out of it. Also, we had three sets of fresh legs (if you could call a rotund James Pidgely and Martin Balk’s legs fresh) and went into the second half with determination to do better. Totts had more of the territory in the second half, but we were defending a Bournemouth ruck in our twenty-two when the ball came free and Andy Lee received it to burst down the touchline. He was racing clear of the defenders when he must have decided that it was unsporting to score a try in this manner, because he then slowed down and started to look around for support. He received it in the (pear) shape of Russell Warren who took the inside pass, via a defender’s arm, to outpace the chasers over the last twenty-five metres to the try line. Five minutes later Simon Clements was at the end of a hard knock and groggily wandered off the field. Tony Holmes, trying to remember what symptoms indicated concussion, advised him to seek further advice if he had a headache in the morning. Simon declared that he would be disappointed if he didn’t have a headache in the morning, ’coz he was out on the lash that night!
Carl Smith (subbed at half-time) went back on as stand-off, and was even once spotted running up a crash ball into the defence – although he admitted afterwards that he thought he was running the ball into a gap! Totts then had a few opportunities to get on terms, but in the dying moments, the Bournemouth captain made a good jinking run down the middle of the park (made to look better by some hesitant Totts tackling) and went over for the final score of this encounter.
Considering our First XV was beaten by Bournemouth at their place, we were satisfied with our day's work against their Second XV.

Tony Holmes

24th November 2001