Locksheath Pumas RUFC

Pumas Match Report

Well it was a cold icy day to be out playing rugger in tight shorts (Just the ref). But the Pumas were up for the challenge of the NOMADS. With the game being played at Gosport and Fareham's ground everyone was conscious that the wind factor of the ground could alter the game we had to play. It was going to be a running game from the start mainly because one wayward kick (from a forward say) would have found the balls in the river!

Eventually all the players had arrived at the game (Me, Lee and Simon took a detour to sample the delights of Gosport) in one piece, all vehicles and wheel trims accounted for.

Unfortunately the weather had taken its toll on the ground and as soon as we arrived, upon first inspection of thepitch it was clearly unplayable. There would have been serious injuries. The pumas put it to a vote. The result was mixed but unfortunately due to not having a full squad especially forwards the team did not have the opportunity to replace the players who didnt not want to take part. So the pumas Agreed with the consent of the ref and NOMADS the game was postponed. It is due to be played on the 2nd Jan 2010.

So onwards and upwards - most notibly to the bar upstairs in the clubhouse! The pumas stayed to watch the majority of the Gosport and Fareham firsts game against Sandown & Shanklin..

Then after dropping a few renegades off at the ferry, enjoying the good tastes of old london pride, spitfire and old speckled hen on the bus it was back to the Pumas club house for a few 'swift ones'.

The whole day has just left me with one question??? Who's underwear is that on the bus and how the devil did it get there???

Oh and well done to those of you who turned up to the Quiz night at the Jolly Farmer Sunday night, the team came Forth with no thanks to myself-100% consistency from the start... FACT!!!!

Match report by Stephen Rix

Pumas 32 ? Lytchett Minster 24

Both teams came into this match looking for the win, with the Pumas disappointingly not scoring a point in the IOW last week. Everyone thought they had something to prove out there!

It was a usual start for the Pumas at home, lapsing in concentration and allowing Lytchett Minster a lucky break to go over the line in the first few minutes and converting to make it 7-0. From here on in the Pumas were going on the back foot and it seemed they would have to dig deep to come back. In a stunning display of good all round Rugby, big hits and backs agility the Pumas responded with a try of their own. Captain Dave Parker drawing in the defence allowed a gap for Greig to penetrate the defense in fine fashion. The conversion was true and levelled the game to seven all with around 10 minutes gone. The next phase saw Mo put in an exceptional display of rip and run with good support from the forwards, the ball was passed out to the backs and amazingly Dave and Greg pulled off the same move to cross the line once more. Pumas lead 14-7.

There was a brief period of midfield play from both sides until Lytchett minster scored by sucking in the forwards after a scrum and a capitalised from a miss-tackle from the backs. 14-14.

I lost track of the score after this point (as I was distracted trying to restore feelings in my toes) however there was a spell of penalty kicks late in the match, with each team trying to secure the win as there was only one point in it! Pumas 22 ? Lychett Minster 21. Lychett Minster then scored another penalty with ease due to the penalty being moved forward ten for back chatting the ref.

After delivering and maintaining consistent pressure on Lychett Minster the Pumas were able to capitalise as mistakes crept in at either end ? I fine example of this is Mo?s side winding clearance on the Pumas line. After some very good set piece and forward pressure, the ball was passed out to the backs and Dave parker crossed the line in the far corner. Unfortunately the ref was on all fours at this point so it was down to Lychett Minster?s Lino to give it. The young lad showed good integrity to give the ref a nod.

The final stages were very tense with Dave Parker charging down a ball just to keep Lychett on their toes... they had to clamber back to defend it. The tenseness was summed up at the final whistle with a roar of victory from the Pumas and from the sidelines! Final Score Pumas 32 ? Lychett 24. A hard game all round and a gritty performance from both sides. Good performances from Mo, Greg, Dave, Rob May and Lee Sewell. Everyone on the team had a good game and it was good to watch (although I would rather have been playing).

Good things to take away from this are at the break down we were really good, in rucking, in set pieces, counter attacking and mauling were all better than previously. All the work we are doing in training is paying off!

Man Of Match Greg

Match Report by Stephen Rix

Pumas vs IOW

The Pumas made the trek by bus, Fastcat, bus and foot to the IOW ground with a much changed squad but everyone seemed up for a good game and a good night out after. Well.... everyone that is, apart from Julian who was telling people he had to get back as there was a storm brewing in the evening. We're still not sure if he was talking about the weather or his lovely wife Lucy.

On to the the game. The first twenty minutes saw the IOW team have all the territory and posession but good Pumas defence prevented them from threatening the line. Their number 8 put in some strong runs, one of which saw him swat Julian off like a fly which caused both amusement and concern for the travelling supporters. Julian's next influence on the game was a break off the back of the scrum and a beautiful pass to their scrum half who nearly raced into the corner for a try. IOW did actually score shortly after on the 26th miute which went unconverted. 5-0. Despite a good scrum from the Pumas IOW scored again under the posts on the 31st minute. This was converted so 12-0 to IOW. A great tackle and resulting penalty by Dave Parker (playing on the flank?!?!) relieved some pressure but unfortunately the IOW team scored another try just before the half-time whistle. Try converted so 19-0 at half time.

More good defence from the Pumas repelled a 5m scrum from the IOW. Mike P then came off and was replaced by Alex who went to flanker with Willsy manning up again in the front row. There were some nice runs from the backs, especially Lee Giles, and we were looking quite good for a while but unfortunately their big number 8 then scored an easy try, which went unconverte. 24-0 to IOW. The game was now a real mud bath as conditions worsened. Their number 8 had another big run up the middle and was faced with only beating Norbert (who had come on to fulback) and Nobert showed the stones we all know he has and hit the big fella low and brought him down. The resulting quick ball to the IOW saw them spread it wide but another good tackle from Quigley (did you pay me for your chinese last night??) saved a certain try. Their number 10 started running around like David Campese on a hit tin roof and managed to baffle the Pumas defence and then passed it wide putting an IOW back in for another try. Not converted, 29-0. More IOW pressure at the end of the game saw them get one more try in the corner which went unconverted. End result 34-0. A tough game in tough conditions. The Pumas players made life difficult for them and I feel sure that we are not far off beating teams like this. As for the post match entertainment... it's all a bit of a blur. All I remember is shouting the Fields of Athenry in a bar (was it a gay bar?) and also Hoppy leaning on the female taxi driver from the passenger seat all the way home from Portsmouth. Nothing else. Like Wallace and Gromit, it was a Grand Day Out!

Dick of the match: Julian for getting swatted off and nearly putting their 9 away for a try. Oh... and for going home early.

Man of the match: Lee Giles for some great runs and showing great commitment chasing every kicked ball and IOW player even when the game was lost.

Written by Toby Jeffries

Pumas 59 - Heathens 7

A promising start by the Pumas saw a try which was converted in the first minute of the game! A donkey knock on from Julian Beard was somehow turned around only a minute later for another try, Rob May style and conversion by the seemingly on form Pumas. A miss kick from Heathens Graham White let Steve Collins through for try number 3! New boy on the block Lee at number 12 for the Pumas went over for try number 4 which was yet again converted by Pumas number 10 Matt. All this after only 20 mins of play!

There was then a flurry of pressure from Heathens on the Pumas line which saw them awarded a penalty try for an all too enthusiastic big 'ginger' Jim tackle, which they duly converted. Heathens then missed a drop goal courtesy of Graham who also missed a penalty. First half done..............

Another first minute try by the Pumas which was a massive team effort with Rob May going over for his second try which was again converted. Then a very fine showmanship flip over try from another new kid on the Pumas block, scrum half Andy. Rob May then went over for his third (Jug please Rob) after a massive full length of the pitch team effort, nice one dudes! There was a period of play in the middle of the park with both sides having equal possession until this was broken by front rower Josh at the Heathens line to go over for his 2nd try in as many games. Some sloppy play at either end until a try from Pumas number 13 Greg who had a great run in. The weather was not too pleasant for us on the side lines however we all took great warmth from the 'dick of the match' Julian Beard as I've never seen him drop or knock on so many balls! The Pumas three quarters were on fire and considering all the little injury niggles we had, the pack did a solid job up front remembering not to get too involved with the Heathens experienced pack. Lets hope this continues into the next few tough games ahead........

written by Lee Sewell.

A day that should be buried as a almost ran...

Pumas started the game in the usual way, full of running and endeavour.. However, we couldn't convert presure in to points.. Which led to "gifting" Fawley 3 tries in the first half through sloppy defence and indecision. Fawley, not to take anything away from them, took their chances and showed some good hands in the backs and an industrious backrow kept Pumas battling.

The second half brought much of the same with Pumas having the possesion and showing the better rugby but again not converting. With 2 overlaps and passes not going to hand and wrong decisions again costing Pumas. The game was a good one to watch for the opposition and the nuetrals, for Pumas, well onwards and upwards...

Written by Rich Jones

ALRESFORD 13 – 3 PUMAS

We knew we were in for a tough game today as some of the shorter players (richj) couldn’t be seen in the long grass. For the first 15 mins or so this looked promising it was all Pumas, a lot of possession but nothing to show for it. Quigley is making some superb runs it’s just a shame he’s so quick and no one can keep up.

First score of the game goes to Alresford, silly penalty an easy 3 points given away.

Moment of the match Matt Outing collects from Quigley and chips through, is he gonna get to it? Nope so instead he clothes lines the poor bloke, ouch that is gonna hurt when he wakes up. Yellow card, harsh but fair.

The game is getting really scrappy and with a man down Alresford are starting to turn up the pressure. Steve Collins tries to break, out to Gregg who fumbles superbly and gives the ball straight to Alresford, an attempted last ditch tap by Norbert but they are over and it’s converted. A man down and its showing!

Finally we are on the board, Penalty well taken by Nick, straight through the middle.

That’s as good as it gets today. For the remainder of the match it’s scrum after scrum (a new world record I think) but nothing to show for it.

I would like to say the Pumas rallied and showed some class towards the end but not today, a very bad day at the office.

Man of the match: Greeno, kept going all day

Dick of the match Nick, he helped Alresford all day

By John Dodd

17th October 2009

KINGSCLERE 15 - 16 PUMAS

After a shortened warm up and some wise words from Mo the game kicked off. The pack knew they were in for a hard slog but the pressure was put on and kept on by the puma forwards. The first points were Kingsclere?s but not for long as Nick booted a penalty through the uprights. The scrums were very competitive and both number 8s had their share of pick up and goes, but the incredible strength of Steve Collins saw a few of the opposition put on the floor in his numerous runs. I think it is fair to say we were bimbling.

At this point a substitution was needed and Gary went off, making way for yours truly.

Our first try was scored by Norbert after a well worked passage of play and some quick hands. This made the score 8-8. This was no surprise as the puma backs had shown they were on the offensive, making yards whenever given the opportunity.

The second substitution was needed as Matt Hawes confirmed his concussion and Pete Moore took to the field.

The game was flowing nicely for pumas now and although the Referee?s decisions were getting more and more bizarre fortunately the pumas were clearly ruling the game.

The next passage of play was full on and as the pumas piled on the pressure Kingsclere were forced to defend with 22 drop outs and quick kicks, one of which went to Greeno (Man of the Match) who threw an inspired miss pass to Tom, who passed (forward) to the backs and Pete ran in our 2nd try making it 13-8.

At the restart Kingsclere put it high, managed to secure it and, in the most disappointing moment of puma play, rumbled it over the line. They converted making it 15-13, but we weren?t about to give up and in a heated passage of play tempers were tested and a fight broke out, which saw both hookers leave the field with red cards.

With time left to go ahead and a positive mental attitude in the team we defended well and were awarded a kickable penalty which went through the posts as straight as an arrow.

It was 16-15 and with only 8 mins to go it was just a case of slowly, slowly catch a monkey. Kingsclere did not get the chance to regain the lead and with our final play we kicked for the line, a well controlled maul, a powerful run from me and the boot of Steve Collins saw the game end with a Locksheath victory! HOOOOO!

Big Thanks to the excellent waterboying from Rob May, Rob Parker and Matt Outing.

Bring on the next game and bring on the pain!

By Dave Launder

Locksheath Pumas v Chineham 10th October 2009

Despite the loss against Overton the previous week Pumas were high on confidence and felt more than capable of recording a result against a strong Chineham side riding high after three successes so far this season, including an opening day win over Overton and big score the last week against Kingsclere.

Bolstered by new signings during the early part of the season a total of 28 players were available for selection, giving coaches Mo and George a headache as to the best side to play. Unfortunately their plans were disrupted by a late withdrawal due to work commitments by Josh with Lee Sewell being called in as cover at hooker. A strong side took to the field somewhat quietly despite every effort by the coaches and substitutes to build up a bit of spirit.

The team were well supported with many unselected players turning out on the side lines with gust appearance from Graham ?The Shadow? Ashford and Steve ?Man Mountain? Sutherland amongst others.

With several regular players still injured and others returning to the fold the pressure is on to put together a Second team fixture so as the older heads can get an occasional run out and the youngsters and fringe players gain some match experience.

The first half was played in great conditions and saw Pumas competing well and spending most of the time in Chineham?s half. Some great interchanges of passes between the backs saw much territory being gained but all so often the final pass went to ground and momentum was lost. The forwards also played well in both the set piece scrums and break downs although frustratingly the line out was not dominated and the constant Chineham pre jumping apparently disrupted Pumas concentration.

Chineham rarely looked a threat to the Pumas line although an isolated break out of their half was quickly brought to a halt by some solid cover tackling by Will Quigley.

After taking a knock late in the first half one half of the pink socked brigade Fordy was hauled off the park by the coaching team much to his dismay ? but I?m ok to play on!!? Jules moved into the powerhouse position with sub Chris ?I?m in touch with my feminine side? Goldsworthy sporting his trademark pink boots, pink gloves and pink gumshield, packing down at 8.

Despite having the lions share of territory and most of the possession half time saw a score line of Pumas 0 Chineham 0.

During the interval Topper did his best to assist the Echo photographer with names of the players snapped in action, although it is rumoured that Toby paid handsomely for his name seem to be mentioned at every opportunity. Remember that moment of fame when the line beckoned at Stoneham only for a blade of grass to cut him down in his prime. There even some cynics out there that doubt whether Toby would have made the few yards to the try line, and that he simply laid down for a rest at the critical moment!

After a strong team talk by the coaches Pumas returned to the field with a change at no 9 Rich Jones coming off to be replaced by Paul making his first team debut. Pumas were soon left rueing the lack of points scored in the first half when Chineham were awarded a penalty which was duly converted by the Chineham kicker for them to take an undeserved lead.

A further change was then made with Matt Hawes suffering after a blow to the head and being replaced by another new face at the club Gregg Ruthven who immediately got in on the action with a display of powerful tackles. It seemed that he was determined to single handedly lay the Chineham side down, rushing everywhere screaming ?he?s mine? before scything down the opposition. Determined not to allow Greg and Pete to link up after their seemingly unnoticed combinations from previous weeks the coaches threw Norbert into the mix at full back.

Eventually the Pumas territory and possession paid off and Will Quigley scored following a fine display of passing and awareness of space by the backs and particularly Paul playing a great game at no 9 (Rich it looks like you are going to have to pile on the pounds and secure a place at prop now). The conversion was made by Nick, and Pumas now had their noses in front.

Pumas were forced into a change in the front row when Marcus was replaced with Lee Sewell moving to prop and Biscuit coming in at hooker. At least this saw the return of the other pink sock to the game, after Fordy and Rich?s departure with sock and boots, leaving Chris the only upholder of the pink brigade until Biscuits arrival.

The game continued to hot up and Chineham came back strong making ground into the Pumas half but being denied points by strong tackling and determined defence. A bizarre piece of play occurred late on when a kick out of the Chineham 22 struck the head of a retreating forward and bounced into the hands of the irrepressible Quiggers who delightfully scored in the corner to seemingly put the game out of Chineham?s reach. The game was than secured with Nick converting from the touchline having earlier missed a sitter from in front of the posts.

Final Score Pumas 14 Chineham 3

In the post match huddle George made some comment about their being extra gears and cogs in the club but that shutting out the game was good. As usual Wills seemed to glaze over and just smiled, as did the rest of the team after a deserved victory.

And so back to the clubhouse where Man of the Match was awarded to Nick Destifano for another masterful display at 10. He even managed to unleash a torrent of abuse (tongue lashings being Greg and Petes forte!!) at Lee Sewell who seemed to pop up in the channel at every opportunity and prevent the ball reaching Nick.

Dick of the Day went to Captain Parker after a heinous attempt at Overton to pour scorn onto the older statesmen of the club for seemingly not ensuring that the gimp mask and whistling appendage were brought to the game and then having the audacity of forgetting to say that actually he had left them at home. Sweet revenge was extracted when the offending items were lifted from Dave?s kitbag pre match only for them to be presented back when he felt all had been lost and he was called to account!! And Dave no one believes that you really suffer from claustrophobia, Loser, you may well end up gimped up more often than you want!!

One final mention went to the clubs latest successful pairing Greg and Pete who took it upon themselves to enter each others comfort zones a little too deeply after the Overton game. Even our vociferous coaches cant dish out a tongue lashing that goes so deep as these two demonstrated!!!!

Kinsgclere await in the next league game and a second team fixture must surely be on the horizon, there may even be a return to the field of those seasoned stalwarts Gilly, Wardy and the wandering Ges. Greeno has mentioned that he is considering retiring again so come on lads lets make sure that it doesn?t happen.

Written by Gary Camfield

Overton v Locksheath Pumas 26th September 2009

Another baking hot day and Pumas get ready for their trip to Overton. A few changes were made because of injury but none the less pumas put out a good side. Pumas were looking good warming up until Lee found some uneven ground and stacked it. Luckily he was ok.

Early on Pumas looked up for it committing well to breakdowns giving quick ball as a result.

Pumas were caught knapping and Overton went over from a 5 meter scrum for the 1st try of the game, conversion successful 7 ? 0.

Pumas got a penalty a penalty from the restart, missed touch but ended up with the line out. Overton won the line out and cleared to the puma?s 5 meter line. They won there line out and pushed over for there second try, missed conversion. 12 ? 0.

There were penalties exchanged in the middle of the park but neither side could take advantage from. Some promising running from pumas backs with tom getting involved from the flank. More slick hands from the backs but pumas failed to show there man the outside and a good overlap went begging. Overton kicked a controversial penalty. 15 ? 0. Substitute Fordy off Andy on.

Pumas collected the restart and recycled the ball well, Quigley made a break followed by rich Jones with some more slick hands tom ogrady went over for a try. Converted by Nick Destefano. 15 ? 7.

Half time.

Pumas turn over the restart and get a penalty. Opted for posts but kicked short. Overtones clearance was charged down by Pete but he couldn?t get to the ball before it went dead.

Pumas consistently put good phases together only for the last pass to go astray or give away a penalty.

Overton kicked another penalty. 18 ? 7.

Shortly followed by another. 21 ? 7.

Substitute Luke on.

Pumas got a penalty in there own 22 which they ran, Overton not 10. Pumas put pace behind the ball and with quick hands will Quigley breaks though and goes over for a try. Conversion missed. 21 ? 12.

Pumas are back in the game a few minutes later when Pete makes a break finds will in support who goes over for his second try. Conversion kicked by Nick. 21 ? 19.

Substitute Al off Shaun on.

Pumas look dangerous every time the backs get the ball they look like creating something. Pete makes a break with men outside him in Ovetons 22 but nothing comes of it.

Three minutes to go and a mix up from pumas gifted Overton a try. Conversion missed. 26 ? 19.

Pumas look deflated now from the restart Overton break through pumas defence for another try and conversion final whistle 33  19.

Man of the Match Greg

Dick of the game Pete Moore/Alex Ainscough

Written by Dave Parker

Locks Heath Pumas v Nomads 19th September 2009

Locks Heath Pumas entertained Nomads in their first home game of the season, at a time when the so called ?barbeque Summer? that never happened had morphed into an Autumn one, which had brought an impressive collection of supporters to Brookfield School. After a mixed start to the season so far, this game would prove crucial to keep the momentum going for what will be a long season.

Although picking up a number of injuries in the previous week, the squad looked impressive and had the potential to shine, and in complete defiance to the Pumas usual tactic, they started strongly. Within the first five minutes they were attacking the Nomads line, and with some slick handling through the back line the move ended with captain Dave Parker crashing over to score. Unfortunately the conversion was wide. However Nomads came back strongly and only through some brave defending were they denied a try. A period of play in the middle of the park then led to the Nomads fullback penetrating the defence, who was stopped short of the line, but managed to offload for the try. Conversion missed, the score was 5-5. A later penalty was converted by Nick Destefano for the Pumas to take the lead, 8-3. With the Pumas good in the set pieces and in fact securing some Nomads ball, the area Nomads began to dominate was the rucking. They were quicker to the break down and the Pumas conceded territory and possession on a number of occasions.

However Pumas still managed to dominate, and had a sustained period of pressure in the Nomads 22. A rolling maul and again some impressive back line play eventually led to a penalty, however the kick went just wide. The pressure continued and with an accurate kick from fly half Nick Destefano to the corner, it looked like the Pumas would be converting the pressure to points. However something which was prevalent last season continued as Pumas weren?t ruthless enough near the try line. Somehow Nomads secured the ball and built an impressive counter attack, which found them in the Pumas 22. Only a good tackle from Pumas centre Gregg Ruthven prevented the Nomads wing from scoring, and a turn over led to the Pumas building a counter attack of their own. The passage of play ended with Ruthven breaking though the first line of defence on the half way line, sprinting towards the try line and with two defenders still to beat did well and managed to score under the posts. Destefano slotted the conversion for the Pumas to head into the break 15-5 to the good.

Pumas started the second half in a similar fashion to the first, and from the kick off the ball went through the hands, with Pete Moore, full back, breaking through the defence, but unable to find the offload to continue the phase. However the resultant pressure led to the Nomads scrum half coming in from the side. The penalty conversion was accurate but short however the territorial dominance continued. Nomads managed to defend well and from a turn over their inside centre, who had looked dangerous all game broke through a number of weak tackles and ran half the length of the field and offloaded well to the wing who chipped through and was only stopped short by an obstruction. Nomads opted for the line out but the attack came to nothing. However a few minutes later Nomads inside centre repeated his previous effort and again some soft Pumas tackling led to the try. The conversion was successful, score 15-12.

A number of Pumas injuries during the second half didn?t affect their game, with continued pressure in Nomads half, but again Pumas could not convert pressure to points. With Nomads defending well, they managed to reverse the tide and through some well worked moves found themselves camped on the Pumas line. Somehow they conceded the ball and scrum half Rich Jones kicked downfield to relieve the pressure. With the game in the final fifteen minutes, the play went from end to end with neither team able to exert themselves.

In the final passage of play a speculative chip and chase from Pumas open side flanker Tom O?Grady, thankfully (for said flanker) resulted in the Nomads player being tackled and not releasing, conceding the penalty which was converted to end the match. Final score 18-12.

Although Pumas have much to work on, mainly at securing loose ball and protecting possession when they have it, to enable the back line to be unleashed, it was evident that this team, with many new faces, was starting to gel, suggesting there is much better yet to come.

Man of the match ? Matt Outting (wing) for some excellent attacking skill, and even more impressive defensive bravery for a little man.

Dick of the match ? Gary Camfield (sub and utility player come centre come prop) for referring to the opposition by another clubs name back at the club house (no one was sure whether this was due to old age, or the fact that he had played prop for the last two weeks and looked like a broken man).

Report written by Hoppy