Havant see Red as Chichester edge it in local derby

Havant's frustrating start to the season continued in a bad tempered affair at Oakland's Park

After an even opening period where Havant probably enjoyed the better of the play it was Chichester who picked up the first score with a try from close to the line as the forwards drove from the back of the ruck.

Chi added a penalty before Havant's opening score which is also a penalty from Joel Knight.

Chichester had their winger sin binned send bend for persistent team offences at the breakdown. But it was still the home side that initially made the most impact playing with 14. The visitors were trying to play the more adventurous and attractive rugby but were guilty too often of giving ball back to the opposition.

This was exactly what happened with Chichester's 2nd try. A long kick from Gareth Davies at fly half was not pressured due to a poor chase and this allowed Chichester to run the ball back for a converted try.

Havant hit back with a first try for Wayne Dugan following a powerful break by skipper Joel Knight.

Chichester then added another penalty after Harrison Young received a yellow card for a tackle off the ball.

The half came to an end with Havant scoring to narrow the lead with a try from Jerome Trail. The hooker powering over after a well worked lineout on the 5m line.

Half-time: Chichester 20 Havant 13

The visitors put themselves under more pressure right at the start of the second period when the home side won a line out against the head and moved the ball to their winger who was able to cross for a converted score.

Havant responded well with a try for number eight Joe Davis after a scrum on the five meter line with Joel Knight adding the conversion.

Both teams then received yellows for the Chichester scrum-half and Havant's Jake Hewett who appeared to be just rolling around on the floor.

Wayne Dugan went in for his second try of the afternoon with a powerful burst wide on the right followed by a good convertion by Joel Knight.

But the visitors were again guilty of giving ball back to the home side. This time after the ball was spilt in the tackle. Chichester made the most of their gift and went under the posts for a converted school.

Havant's fifth try was scored by the skipper. Knight made a tremendous break down the left hand side and outsprinted the cover to score in the corner.

With just minutes to play on the clock. Havant had a scrum just inside their own 22. The Chi 9 clearly hit the ball out of Wayne Johns hand's as he was about to put it in giving the home side illegal ball against the head. As the play rolled down to the try line Chi bundled over for a score but in the melee both the Chichester prop and Havant Skipper Joel Knight were red carded after punches were exchanged on the floor.

Havant hit back with a period of pressure on the Chi line but were unable to get across the line and ended afternoon deeply frustrated.

Havant struggled to find the consistency which would have allowed them to close out a game that they could of and perhaps should have won.

Havant coach Will Knight,

"We have to take it on the chin we created chances and didn't them. We are lacking confidence at the moment and really struggling to get any consistency in our selections. Hopefully that will settle down over the next few weeks and we will be able to get on the front foot."

"The squad are hurting because it they know they are a much better team than we are showing at the moment. Rugby is about momentum and at the moment we are struggling to harness that."

"I was pleased with the lads that came in today and there were some lovely scores but we have got to stop gifting the opposition. Chi didn't have to create too much today because we gave them too many chances."

"The red card is a real blow for us, there was a lot going on today that was missed some of whiprobably more worthy of a red but there is no doubt the game nearly boiled over."