The Solent Spitfires were back in action again this Month as they took on visitors Swindon St George at the new venue Trojans Rugby Club. The Spitfires started well with a high completion rate but with 6 gold shorts in the Swindon side it was always going to be hard to score. The forwards took the team constantly into the visitors red zone led by forwards Dickin, Verity, Stokes and Powley. Loose forward Kevin Cant was everywhere in the first half and his experience from over 50 first grade games showed as he controlled the defence from the middle channel.

With the Swindon team under pressure from good line speed the Spitfires were offered a couple of chances which they took. Quick thinking on the blind side saw Hooker Leach cross after second rower Tim Powley offloaded back on the inside for the score. Moments later the home side scored again with some more clever passing on the blind side. This time Loose forward Cant showing quick hand to put winger York in at the corner.

With the Spitfires on top and Swindon finding themselves stuck in their own half the home side put together a flowing move. A strong forward carry saw Leach find Smith who combined well with fellow half back Puna who put a great pass to centre Jonty who found Andy Ollason out wide to score. The celebrations were short lived as the try was ruled out for a touch. Jonty was soon looking dangerous again as he crashed over for a score only for the ref to disallow it for been tackled.

Half Time 0-0
The second half continued with the same theme as the home time spent long periods in Swindon’s half. A few loose passes saw Swindon threaten the line a couple of times, but solid defence saw the chance drift away. Smith and Puna continued to cause problems and a break away scoring opportunity created by Smith was again called back for a touch.

The second half also saw the debut of hooker Ash Bellamy who distributed the ball well and looked solid in defence. He was also involved in one of the best moves of the half when he found Tyreman who in turn passed to Puna. Puna then released Cant who set the winger Garrard away. With defenders closing down Garrard found Cant inside who had more support for a score but once again the play was called back for a phantom touch. The slick pass was as good as any seen in Super League this season.

Final Score 0-0

Star Player – Loose forward Kevin Cant rolled back the year, was solid in defence and offered the Spitfires another dimension in attack with his ball handling skills.