Hampshire RFU Match Reports vs Surrey: Men Progress to Semi-Finals, Women Gain Valuable Division 1 Experience, U17 Boys Finish Unbeaten
Over the weekend, Hampshire RFU faced Surrey Rugby across three competitive county fixtures, played in challenging hot conditions.
Hampshire Men Secure Semi-Final Place
On Saturday 23 May at Havant RFC, Hampshire Men secured a thrilling 51–48 victory over Surrey to book their place in the semi-final of Division 3 in the Bill Beaumont County Championship.
Hampshire made a strong start and built an early lead, but Surrey responded well to keep the contest close throughout. Despite a number of yellow cards disrupting momentum at times, Hampshire managed the game effectively during the second half and held on for an impressive win.
The bench made a significant impact after the break, with Player of the Match CJ Fiern of Andover RFC contributing strongly in both attack and defence.
Half backs Tom Fieldsend (9) and Tom Meyer (10) also led from the front, controlling the tempo and territory with great kicking and decision making during key moments of the match.
The result means Hampshire will now face Oxfordshire Rugby Football Union in the semi-final on Saturday 30 May at Havant RFC, kick-off 3pm.
ALL SUPPORT IS WELCOME!
Valuable Experience for Hampshire Women
On Sunday 24 May, Hampshire Women travelled to Esher Rugby to face Surrey Women in even hotter conditions.
Hampshire started positively and took an early lead, but Surrey’s direct midfield play, combined with a high penalty count against Hampshire, made it difficult for the visitors to maintain momentum, with Surrey winning the contest 35-12.
Natasha Bullock was named Player of the Match after leading from the front with a try and a committed defensive display.
There was also an impressive attacking performance from second row Sophie Slimm, who consistently caused problems for the Surrey defence with ball in hand.
Although the result did not go Hampshire’s way, the squad will take plenty from the experience. Competing in Division 1 has represented a significant step up for a young group of players, and the campaign has provided valuable learning opportunities to build on moving forward.
Hampshire Under 17 Boys Finish Campaign Unbeaten
Hampshire RFU Under 17 Boys hosted Surrey in the final match of their season programme at a sun-soaked Havant RFC.
As in their previous two fixtures, Hampshire started exceptionally well, putting into practice the patterns and structures developed over the past eight months.
Their power, pace and precision produced an outstanding opening 35 minutes, with Hampshire establishing a deserved 24–12 lead at half-time. Despite this, Surrey remained dangerous opponents and mounted an impressive comeback after the break.
Surrey scored 17 unanswered points during a high-quality second half to take a 29–24 lead with just five minutes remaining.
However, Hampshire showed great character and resilience in the closing stages. Despite the heat and the demands of a long season, the squad rediscovered their rhythm at the crucial moment, scoring two late tries to secure a dramatic 36–29 victory and complete an unbeaten campaign with three wins from three.
Beyond the result, the match was an excellent advert for Under 17 county rugby, with both sides playing competitively and in great spirit throughout.
Hampshire Under 17 Boys Scorers
Tries: Rhys B, Jack M, Matt P, Tom R, Reece M, Taeg N
Conversions: Louis C x2, Finlay W x1
Thank You
Thank you to Owtons Butchers for their continued support of our Senior rugby programme and to Windandsurf Images for the excellent photographs across the weekend, and to Romsey RFC and Portsmouth RFC for the use of their minibuses.
Finally, thank you to all the supporters who travelled and backed both squads throughout the weekend.
