HAMPSHIRE GALES PLATE WINNERS – Farnborough 14 V US Portsmouth RFC 21 

The 2009 Gales HSB Hampshire Plate turned out to be a keenly and evenly contested final staged at Farnborough RFC. Visitors United Services Portsmouth ran out eventual winners 21 - 14. 

US Portsmouth had the best of the early exchanges and winger 'Bob' Hoskin rewarded early pressure with a fairly simple penalty chance. US continued to press and a quality move involving forwards and backs saw Hoskin powering in behind the posts - he converted his own effort to take the score to 10 - 0. Farnborough replied in kind and another good move saw them score; the conversion bringing the score back to 10 - 7.

After another period of sustained US pressure, resulting in a 5 metre scrum, captain Dan Stoneman picked up from the base of the scrum and burst through tackles to make the score - Hoskin missed the conversion and half time arrived with the score 15 - 7 to US.

An early second half penalty from Hoskin stretched the lead, but Farnborough fought their way back into the game and scored another converted try to bring the scores to within four points. US withstood great pressure from Farnborough and in a rare, late visit into the Farnborough 22 were awarded another penalty, again 'goaled' by Hoskin.

The Farnborough pressure continued and with time running out indiscipline at the breakdown saw US awarded a penalty which they greatfully kicked to touch for referee Doug Neagle, who had an excellent match, to blow for 'no side'.

A large crowd witnessed Hampshire RFU President Mike Glogg, assisted by Derek Beaves from the sponsors Fuller, Smith & Turner, present medals to all the players and the Gales HSB Hampshire Plate to US Portsmouth captain Dan Stoneman. 

NAVY RUGBY SITE - http://www.navyrugbyunion.co.uk/#

1. Moyse 2.Guylly 3.Hodges 4.Patilla 5.Blackett 6.Wreford 7.Blackett 8.Stoneman(c) 9.Davis 10.Brown 11.Hoskin 12.Chance 13.Evans 14.Peters 15.Marsh 16.Groves 17.Pickett 18.Bond 19.Di'Marco 20.Ticker 21.Brett 22.Ham

T; Hoskin, Stoneman C; Hoskin P; Hoskin (3)

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