As the season swung into league action United Services Portsmouth rolled into Normans Way looking to make a grab for early season league points.

New Milton under the guidance of Head coach Alan Steel assisted by the returning Ryan Morrell wanted to set out an early marker the season. 

After 10 minutes the scoreboard hadn't been required as both sides showed early season nerves and neutralised each others threat, 'scoreboard Will' was itching to get his fingers on the remote working. Even a penalty in front of the posts was snatched and was put wide by the buzzing Morrell.

On 20 minutes the deadlock was broken as Morrell ran in the first of his brace of tries. 

Milly were now looking to get further points on the board. The home sides pack with the epic traveller Dan Mallard back for a short period held his own in the Front row assisted by Lewis Thompson and ever present Lyndon Booker. 

Milly began to grab the game and debutant Sam Farnden added a try on 35 minutes, the first of his brace which ultimately led to him being named joint 'Man of the Match'. Ross Richardson the other after another magnificent display.

As the clock ticked towarsds half time, Left wing Jonny Ward got in on the act scoring under the posts, Morrell converting. H/T 17--0.

At the change over, New Milton began to show what they are capable of and Morrell went over for his second try, again converting (24-0).

It took little time for New Milton to extend their lead as centre Nathan Smith went over after an excellent backs move (29-0).

The engine room was doing their bit with Jack Corbett, his second row partner Scott Ellis, another debutant dominating in the loose and carrying excellently. With the young Luca Minardi now off the field after putting in another great shift, his replacement Nick McQueen and leader of the pack Jude Payne, and another returning player Santa Mario performing with their usual gusto and skill. It was Payne who increased the score tally on 60 minutes. 

With New Milton in the ascendancy, Christian Brown stepping off the bench for Ward had an excellent chance to score in the corner, however player and ball were going their separate ways, leading to his DOD award.

With the half back pairing of Dalton Thomas and Joe Polson running the show with ever youthful Chris Conacher showing all his class another score was on the cards, the large home crowd were not disappointed as Farnden went over for his 2nd on 73 minutes (39-0).

Winning 39-0 it was great to see a donut in the oppos score column.

The clubs 2nd xv went down to Chineham in their first venture into Counties 4. It was great to see the club putting out 38 players and competition for places in the future will be tough as we have a number of players returning from injury and increased availability.  This is an excellent position for the club.

Next week the 1st XV travel to Romsey while the 2nd XV entertain Hook & Odiham at Normans Way, both 3pm Kick offs.
A special thanks to The Forresters who become pitch fairies before and after the game. 

Your support and that of all the supporters is gratefully received. 

David Page

HOSR