Hampshire RFU Senior Men Reach Twickenham Final After Thrilling Semi-Final Victory
Hampshire RFU 37 – 36 Oxfordshire RFU
Bill Beaumont County Championship Division 3 Semi-Final
On another scorching afternoon at Havant RFC, Hampshire RFU Senior Men secured their place in the Bill Beaumont County Championship Division 3 Final with a dramatic 37-36 victory over Oxfordshire RFU.
While not quite matching the scoreline of last weekend’s encounter against Surrey, this semi-final had everything else – momentum swings, physicality, attacking flair and a nail-biting finish that kept supporters on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
The visitors made a strong start, crossing for a try after just three minutes to underline the threat posed by their dangerous broken-field runners. Hampshire, however, gradually worked their way into the contest, with the game developing into a fascinating contrast of styles. Oxfordshire looked to exploit space and counter-attack opportunities, while Hampshire relied on their well-structured and powerful forward game to gain control.
As the half progressed, strong Hampshire play at the breakdown forced a number of penalties, and Oxfordshire were reduced to 14 men shortly before half-time when a player was shown a yellow card. Hampshire’s pack then asserted itself and after a series of powerful carries, helped the hosts dominate the closing stages of the half. That sustained pressure was rewarded on the scoreboard as Hampshire overturned the early deficit to take a 27-19 lead into the break.
Hampshire extended their advantage early in the second half with a penalty, but Oxfordshire refused to go away, responding with a converted try to keep themselves firmly in contention. Both sides continued to trade scores in a fiercely contested encounter, with momentum shifting back and forth throughout the half.
As the pressure mounted, Hampshire found themselves on the wrong side of the referee too often, conceding a succession of penalties and eventually receiving a yellow card that left them defending with 14 men for the final ten minutes.
The visitors took full advantage of the extra man, crossing late and adding the conversion to narrow the score to 37-36 and set up a tense finale. With Oxfordshire pushing for one last opportunity, Hampshire’s forwards dug deep and wrestled back control of possession in the closing moments. From there, scrum-half Tom Fieldsend, captain and Player of the Match, kicked the ball into touch to spark celebrations and confirm Hampshire’s place at Allianz Twickenham.
The victory means Hampshire RFU Senior Men will now travel to Allianz Twickenham to face Leicestershire RFU in the Bill Beaumont County Championship Division 3 Final. Kick-off is at 11am, with further details to be announced later this week.
Hampshire had two new caps playing today; Max Wheller and Brad Caparo and also two players who received their 7 match caps: Tom Blewitt and Karter Whittock.
Hampshire RFU would like to thank Owtons Family Butchers for their continued sponsorship, WindandSurf Images for providing match-day photography, and all the supporters who made the journey to Havant RFC and helped create such a fantastic atmosphere.
