Match preview

United Services Portsmouth RFC welcome Winchester RFC for their first fixture of the 2018/19 Season.

This promises to be a keenly fought contest between two teams who had contrasting fortunes last season. Winchester RFC were relegated from London South-West 2 and will no doubt be looking to bounce back and gain promotion this year. United Services Portsmouth RFC enjoyed a very successful 2017/18 winning Hampshire 1 to return to the London Leagues at the first time of asking.

Winchester RFC will hope to use their experience of playing in the London Leagues to control the game whereas United Services Portsmouth RFC will look to play with confidence and continue their form of last year.

United Services Portsmouth RFC will hand 1st XV debuts to Fly Half Owen Herbet - an off-season signing from I.O.W RFC, Winger Harry Bates - who will follow in his brothers footsteps and is in his second season at Burnaby Road, and substitute Sam Mullane - another off-season signing who is based locally with the Royal Navy.

The stage is set for a exciting game of rugby, both teams have prepared for this game in pre-season and it now remains to see who can put all that hard work into action.

Good Luck to both teams!