Milton Get Close But Shut Out

New Milton played host to Gosport & Fareham, a tough game was expected, not only from the team who currently hold second position in the league, but also having to battle against the weather conditions, and although the wind kept blowing,the rain stopped and blue sky along with some sunshine appeared. Milton played well against a well drilled side and at half time the scores were close but Milton were unable to make impact in the second half finally being outscored by 5 tries 1.

Gosport were quickly moving the scoreboard a penalty gave them possession and a line out in the Milton 22 the ball passed out to their backs who ran in to score.

Milton quickly responded creating pressure in the Gosport 22 the forwards working well and pushing for the line, but a penalty allowed Gosport to clear, Milton were working well in the rucks gaining turnovers and a penalty award was well converted in the windy conditions by Lewis Waugh.

Gosport were awarded penalties which gave them a line out on the Milton 5 mtr line which they won, the ball being ran in by their backs for touch down, this was quickly followed by another try, by the Gosport backs whose skilful running created an extra man to outflank the Milton defence.

Milton's forwards were working hard and dominating the scrums, as they did throughout the match, but this possession was not always taken full advantage of, the ball often being kicked ahead to the waiting Gosport backs who had proved their ability running with the ball creating more tackling and rucks.

Milton finally made the breakthrough just before half time, a Milton scrum in the Gosport 22 gave good possession the ball was passed to Joe Eldridge who, close to the line, sold a fine dummy and touched down, another fine conversion by Lewis Waugh, gave the supporters hope.

Half time 10 – 15

Milton were quickly on the attack Christian Brown making a break well into the Gosport 22 but from the tackle ruck a penalty award to Gosport gave them possession in the Milton 22 and from a scrum their backs passed well running in to score.

Milton worked hard taking advantage of penalty awards but unable to break through the defence and it was Gosport who completed the scoring with a penalty conversion and a final try.

Dalton Thomas was made Milton's Man of the Match

Final score 10 – 28

E.Hynd,L.Booker,D.Smith,J.Corbett,G.Short,S.Bew,L.Thomas,J.Payne, D.Thomas,J.Eldridge,N.Smith,C.Brown,L.Waugh,J.Harris,Z.Smith
C.Conacher,P.DuPreez,G.Swamers.