Match Reports 09-10

New Milton v Millbrook 12/09/09 - Report from Mike Randell
Millbrook travelled away to New Milton to begin their Hampshire 1 campaign. After finding themselves promoted due to the restructure in leagues a heavy task was ahead but some good pre-season training bringing in some fresh players and new ideas has given Millbrook the belief they can have a successful season. The game started well for both sides, some good attacks countered by some good defending kept both sides out early in the game and an injury to the Millbrook winger saw Tom Colling come on as replacement. However, it was New Milton who were to draw first blood scoring a converted try just before half-time. 7-0 to New Milton.

New Milton came out the stronger side in the second half and soon added a further unconverted try, giving themselves a 12 point lead. Millbrook then fought back, after turnover possession in their own half the ball was quickly shipped wide and a pass from debutante Mike Trench saw winger Tom Colling go outside his opposite man and pace away to score out wide. Conversion added by Richard Colmer, the score now 12-7. New Milton fought back to try and close out the game but some last ditch tackling saw no further points added. Millbrook then gained the front foot and added a penalty through Richard Colmer. The ball was now being secured strongly by the Millbrook forwards and another pass to Tom Colling saw him dart inside his man and again pace away to score a second try and win the game for Millbrook. No conversion added and the final score 15-12 to Millbrook.

Good performances from newcomers Mike Trench, Paul Griffin and substitute Jordie Coffin saw a passionate Millbrook side eventually win a game they made hard work of.

Millbrook v Eastleigh 19/09/09 - Report from Mike Randell
Millbrook were hosts to Eastleigh rugby club on a Saturday afternoon and expected a tough contest under the warm afternoons sun. Millbrook took the game to Eastleigh right from the off and a fast paced game was being played. Some strong attacks were being strung together by both sides, however Millbrook were the first to turn pressure into points. Quick passes wide saw newcomer Paul Griffin take the ball out wide and crash through the tackle to score, no conversion added. Millbrook were to also added the next points in the game; a kick and chase saw Tom Colling chase down the Eastleigh winger who fumbled the ball giving Colling the opportunity to tap the ball through the Eastleigh players' legs and dive on it to score. No conversion added, the score 10-0 to Millbrook.

Eastleigh worked themselves back into the game through some missed tackles and loosely thrown passes by the home side and score a converted try to bring the score within 3 points. Millbrook were to then extend there lead through a RIchard Colmer penalty. Half-time score 13-7 to Millbrook. The second half began with Millbrook remaining the stronger of the two sides, with scrum half, Alan Griffin putting in a very good performance. However, a sin binning to Jordie Coffin put Millbrook on the back foot and the resulting penalty reduced Millbrook's lead again to 3 points. A tough defence kept Eastleigh at bay as Millbrook were trying to close out the game but for the last few minutes only, Eastleigh managed to take control and an unconverted try out wide put them 15-13 up. This was to be the final score as a deserving Millbrook side left the field with no points to show for the afternoon.

Southampton v Millbrook - 26-09-09 Report from Mike Randell
Millbrook travelled to local rivals Southampton knowing nothing less than a win would be the result they wanted. The game started well with fly half Richard Colmer applying pressure by converting two early penalties giving a Millbrook a 6 - 0 advantage. With Southampton looking rather jaded, even at the early stages of the game, it appeared that Millbrook could push for a convincing win. However, the first half came to a close with only two further penalties added by the Millbrook fly half. Half time score 12 - 0.

The second half began with Millbrook trying to take the game by the scruff of the neck however a lack in clinical finishing saw opportunities pass by. Southampton then scored their first points of the game through a penalty, which was soon cancelled out by Richard Colmer penalty for Millbrook. The score now 15 - 3. However, Southamptons' points lifted the home side and they started attacking with more menace. Their big forwards making some valuable ground eventually leading to a an unconverted try for the home side. The score now 15 - 8 and Southampton now applying some heavy pressure to get something out of the game. While Millbrook's defence was not at it's peak it did hold out until the final whistle. An unconvincing win, but a win nevertheless with definite room for improvement.

Millbrook ll  57-0 Ventnor ll - Report from Kevin Byatt
Fantastic first merit table game, and we were able to give Ventnor two players!
Wayne Allen dominated the line out at four while Dan Coffin poached several opposition balls at the front. This served our backs well, and they converted the possession into tries. Nathen Phippin, Luke Campbell and Martin Scott all bagged a brace while Dave Owens also dummied his way over in the corner. Ryan Jones also scored two from No8. Wayne Allen added 3 conversions, Dave Owens added 2 and Alan Day kicked 1.

Lytchett Minster v Millbrook - 3/10/09 Lytchett cancelled

Totton IV  30~3  Millbrook II 3/10/09 - Report from Kevin Byatt
This was an entertaining game played in good spirit. Millbrook took the lead through a Dave Owens penalty, but although they got very close to the Totts try line on several occasions, they could not get the essential touchdown.

Romsey v Millbrook 10/10/09 Report by Mike Randell
Millbrook travelled to Romsey for their fourth Hampshire 1 clash of the season and the game started well for the away side. Some good counter attacking saw full back Mark Colmer and winger Paul Griffin link up well to come within yards of the Romsey try line. The ball was then given to Fijian second row Ratu Degei to crash over in the corner for an unconverted try. As the game unfolded at a quick pace both teams were playing strong defensive rugby to keep each other out however it was Millbrook who, with the momentum in their favour, were to score again. Strong forward play saw Mike 'Macca' McNeish also crash over the line for a second unconverted try. Phases of good rugby were being strung together by both teams and Romsey were working themselves back into the game, however some fierce tackling particularly from winger Paul Griffin meant the only further points of the first half were a penalty for both sides, Millbrook's penalty through fly half Rich Colmer. Half time score 13 - 8 in the away sides advantage.

The restart saw Romsey come out fighting and some strong running from their back row saw them make their way up their field and over the Millbrook try line for an unconverted try. This setback would have uneased the Millbrook side in recent weeks however the solid performance that the team have been looking for was to show on this warm afternoon as Millbrook soon added a further try through the forwards, courtesy of Leon Brito. No conversion added and Millbrook now extending their lead to 18 - 8. The away side now began closing the game out making tackles right across the field and winning turnover ball at the set plays. A cross field kick in Millbrook's attack saw winger Tom Colling get close to scoring only for the covering full back to retrieve the ball first, however a turnover of the ball saw Richard Colmer strike a drop goal and extend the Millbrook lead by a further three points. Colmer then added a further penalty and the game was effectively over. Final score 24 - 8 to Millbrook. This was the sound performance Millbrook have been looking for and although there is still room for improvement the side battled well against a well drilled Romsey side.

Millbrook II v Portsmouth IV 10/10/09 Report by Kevin Byatt
This was our best performance of the season. Portsmouth were a strong team who put us under pressure from the start, but it was Millbrook who took the lead through a Gareth Havis try, converted by Dave Owens. Portsmouth levelled the score, making it 7~7 at the interval. After an ill-advised late shoulder barge from Lewis Prowting, Portsmouth were camped on our 5 meter line, but the Millbrook defence held firm and finally broke free to score a great try in the corner by Dave Whineray. In the last quarter, Millbrook got stronger and the Portsmouth defences began to crumble. Alan Day scored two tries and Luke Campbell also got a well worked touchdown. Final score 27-7.

U.S.Portsmouth v Millbrook 24/10/09 Report by Mike Randell
Millbrook travelled along the coast to US Portsmouth looking for a fourth league win of the season. A rainy build up to the game provided for a scrappy start, with a few knock ons and spilt balls coming from either side. However, Millbrook soon took command of the game and began to put together some strong phases of play. This built a platform for second row, Ratu Degei to open the scoring, powering over for a well worked try. Conversion added by Mark Colmer. US Portsmouth fought back through some clever breaks from their fly half however it was Millbrook who would add the next score. A smart kick inside Portsmouth's 22 by fly half Rich Colmer saw his brother Mark pounce on the ball inside the try area to an unconverted try and take Millbrook into a 12-0 lead. Millbrook continued to play strongly for the remainder of the half, keeping themselves inside the US Portsmouth half, however just lacked panache to finish off other opportunities leaving the half time score at 12-0.

The second half continued strongly for the travelling side. Replacements flankers Sonny Bedwell and Wayne Allen both warranted their positions in the team, Bedwell making some strong runs and Allen making tackles across the park to keep the home side from scoring. Richard Colmer then added an unconverted try himself soon followed by a first try of the season for powerful centre Lee Taylor, the latter try coming from some good link-up play between flanker Bedwell and centre Taylor. A single conversion was added by Mark Colmer to put Millbrook into a commanding 24-0 lead. Millbrook were then to step off the gas and allow US Portsmouth into the game some fortunate breaks by the home side saw them work into Millbrook's 22 and a good move between the fly half and the wing saw the defence flat footed and a converted try scored under the posts. US Portsmouth were now lifted and shipped the ball wide to add a textbook try. No conversion added, the score now 24-12 in Millbrook's favour. Millbrook reacted to the pressure now being exerted by the home side and a strong defence saw no further points added giving Millbrook their fourth win from five games against a strong US Portsmouth side.

I.O.W. II  48~14  Millbrook II 24/10/09 Report by Kevin Byatt
The main achievement was getting a team over to the island. The response from players was very disappointing with many not wishing to travel. We managed to get fourteen to the ground and I.O.W.gave us a player. We struggled in key positions, Martin Scott played at scrumhalf for the first time as did Dave Whineray at No8. Both worked hard. Millbrook's tries were scored by Nathen Phippin and Rob Richards who also kicked both conversions.

Cranleigh v Millbrook 31/10/09 Report from Mike Randell
Millbrook travelled to Surrey this weekend to face Cranleigh RFC in the Junior Vase. Brook seemed to be well prepared for the game and the opening minutes showed some promise. Richard Colmer's trusty boot giving an early 3-0 lead through a penalty. However it was Cranleigh who then set the tempo of the game. Two converted tries, one from a rolling maul and the other from a quick break by the forwards, gave Cranleigh a 14-3 lead.

Brook now began dropping off from the game, losing their own lineout ball and getting overpowered in most areas of the field, a third try was then to be added by Cranleigh. No conversion added. Millbrook were now lacking in direction and were struggling to get a hold on the game with the only further score a penalty from Rich Colmer to make it 19-6 at half time.

Full back Mark Colmer was replaced by Alan Day at half time due to injury and the half continued as the first finished with Millbrook lacking fluency and a sense of team unity. Further injuries to Lee Taylor and Rich Colmer saw Cranleigh capitalise on their opportunities and run in several more tries, three of which in the last ten minutes of the game. The final score 48-6 to Cranleigh.

A disappointing result for Millbrook with the injury list now starting to tell however the team will be looking to concentrate on their league season now.

Millbrook v Alton 07/11/09 Report from Mike Randell
Millbrook were to be troubled from before the kick-off for Saturday's league fixture, with injuries and illness heavily affecting the squad. On top of injuries suffered in previous games there were to be five additional changes before the game with Jordie Coffin, Dave Owens, Dom Reeves, Graham Machin and Alan Day all called up for starting places.

The game started as would be expected given the vast changes and unrest affecting the starting XV for the home side, Alton scoring an unconverted try through a strong rolling maul. However, the home side picked themselves up and battled back. Strong leadership from experienced number 8 Mike Mulcahy saw the home side battle well. Millbrook were being out strengthened in the scrums however some good aggression in the tackles kept Alton from getting over the Millbrook try line again. Millbrook looked strong when the game was being played within the Alton half and some strong runs from centre Mike Cronin saw good ground made as Alton failed to make all their tackles. This home pressure was turned into points as Alan Day cooly slotted a penalty under the posts. The half finished strongly for Millbrook however Alton had added a penalty of their own to take the score 8-3 in favour of Alton at half time.

Alton started the second half well and soon scored a try to extend their lead to 10 points. Millbrook then lost hooker Jordie Coffin through a shoulder injury, veteran Kevin Byatt coming on to replace him. This was soon followed by further injury; again a front row player, Leon Brito, having to come off through a suspected fractured thumb. This meant Millbrook had to play the last 30 minutes with 14 men and uncontested scrums. Millbrook remained defiant in defence but the 14-man disadvantage and the changes to the team became apparent in the final stages of the game with Alton first adding a converted try and then a final unconverted try minutes before the final whistle to take the final score to 25-3. It was not to be Millbrook's day to end Alton's strong league record but a disappointing result with questions asked of how a full strength Millbrook side could have performed against league leaders Alton.

Aldershot & Fleet v Millbrook 14/11/09 Report from Mike Randell
Millbrook travelled to north of the county to face Aldershot for this weekends league clash. The weather was always going to play a part in this weekends match but an uninspiring start to the game saw Millbrook fall below there usual standard of rugby. Aldershot won the toss and chose to have the strong winds behind them, monopolising the obvious attacking plays through some straight forward chip and chase moves but the home side played better rugby running the ball in hand. Lack of effective tackling by Millbrook saw Aldershot make several runs but to no avail. Millbrook were able to create some attacking play of their own but needlessly throwing the ball away out of tackles saw too much turnover ball, one of which saw Aldershot's outside centre intercept the ball within Brook's 22 and open the scoring with an unconverted try. The home side soon added a penalty  through their fly half, giving them an 8 point lead. Brook played out the half conceding no further points and beginning to play themselves into the game. Half time whistle with the score 8-0.

With the wind now in Millbrook's favour, the second half saw some good passages of play strung together. Whilst Millbrook did not come out all guns blazing the second half was to be the revival that was required. A strong run from centre Mike Cronin saw Millbrook play into Aldershot's half and a chip over the top give Rich Colmer the opportunity to touchdown for an unconverted try. Aldershot still put their own phases of play together but Millbrook's defence held strong with some good tackling from hooker Lee Taylor. The next score was to come from Millbrook and after Ratu Degei was held up over the line the resulting scrum saw a pushover try added by Garrie Silverthorn. Conversion missed, Millbrook now ahead 10 points to 8. One final score was to come from centre Mike Cronin, his first try for the club since joining a year ago. With the game now all but won Millbrook played out the final phases of play and saw newcomer Matt Nolan come on as a replacement to show his potential, making a couple of strong runs and good tackles. The final score 15-8 to Millbrook.

Although the club is still struggling with injuries another two points have been bagged and Millbrook see themselves joint third in the league with neighbours Eastleigh.

Farnborough v Millbrook 28/12/09 report from Mike Randell
With Millbrook unable to fulfil their home fixture due to the pitch conditions it was agreed with Farnborough that the reverse fixture would be played and so Millbrook travelled to the north of the county to visit Farnborough RFC. The game did not start well for Millbrook, with missed tackle after missed tackle allowing Farnborough's big outside centre to run through and score an unconverted try. The 5-0 advantage to the home side was soon reduced by a Rich Colmer penalty but it was Farnborough who dominated the first play through Brook's inability to get any hold on the game. Brook then soon lost two players to injury, Garrie Silverthorn with a recurring dislocated shoulder and Tom Colling with a broken collar bone, with replacements Alan Day and Ratu Degei coming on. However, Farnborough extended their lead through a penalty and two tries, one of which was converted taking the score to 22-3 in the home sides advantage. Millbrook began to pick themselves up and make their tackles towards the end of the half but no further scores were added and at the switch of ends Farnborough led 22-3.

After the interval Farnborough added a further penalty to extend their lead to 22 points. Millbrook got back into the game from here and showed why they have been competing at the top, an attacking play across the middle of the pitch saw Rich Colmer receive the ball out wide and outpace the wing and full back to score an unconverted try and begin Brooks comeback. Straight from the restart Millbrook camped themselves in the home sides 22. Brook then added a second try through Mike Mulcahy, dummying his opposite man to go over. Rich Colmer adding the conversion. The score now 25-15 and Millbrook closing the gap. Millbrook continued to play strongly and a first senior try was added by second row Luke Wilson. No conversion added. The momentum now looked fully in Millbrook's favour but Farnborough remained defiant and added a final converted try to restore a 12-point lead and all but end the game. The final score 32-20 to Farnborough.

A strong 25-minute window of play in the second half showed the heart and potential in the squad but too little, too late from a Millbrook team who need to win these games if they are to compete at the top.

Overton II  5-5  Millbrook II 28/12/09 report from Kev Byatt
Millbrook travelled away to Overton for a wet and windy game played by two teams that were very evenly matched. Millbrook had to play without any normal second row due to illness, but the pack worked hard and often put the home team under pressure. New signing, Steve Swift, was unlucky not to be awarded a debut try after driving over from No8 in a scrum. Millbrook's try was scored by Dan Wade, back from injury and doing well at flyhalf.

Petersfield v Millbrook report from Mike Randell
Millbrook's game at Petersfield began perfectly, after taking the game straight to Petersfield in the early minutes Rich Colmer darted through the home defence to score the opening try of the afternoon. Brother Mark adding the conversion to put Brook in the driving seat and 7-0 up. Millbrook then continued their attack straight from the kick-off, soon finding themselves presented with a penalty which Mark Colmer coolly slotted between the uprights giving Millbrook a 10 point lead and the start they wanted. The quick pace of the game continued, however it was Petersfield's turn to score the points. Their structured support play offered them opportunities upon which they capitalised, scoring an unconverted try soon followed by a converted try giving putting them in the driving seat. As the game settled both sides showed their strengths, Brook's defence holding out to Petersfield burly attacking play. However, Millbrook battled back into the game and after finding themselves in the home 22 the ball was swung wide and finished off by Rich Colmer to add his second try of the game, again converted by Mark Colmer. Millbrook now were up 17 points to 10 as half-time arrived.

The second half continued with both sides battling well. The possession equally split between the sides and putting together phases of attack. Brook got themselves into the Petersfield 22 but could just not finish off any of their opportunities. Petersfield however did not falter in front of the try line. They soon added a converted try to their tally and took a 2 point lead. Millbrook continued to battle but just could not find that clinical pass, with a few balls going to ground when on the attack. Petersfield showed their strength by a well worked move leading to a try between the posts and the conversion added from the boot to put them two scores ahead at 26-17. With the clock ticking away Millbrook failed to add any further score.

With the exception of the result, it was a good afternoon of rugby for Millbrook, showing their ability to compete at the top, eventually beaten by an organised Petersfield side. Both teams also showing their traditional rugby roots, sharing a couple of rugby songs after the game in the Petersfield clubhouse.

Millbrook v Fareham Heathens 12/12/09 report from Mike Randell
Millbrook were hosts to fellow newcomers to the league Fareham Heathens. An ideal start to the game saw Millbrook swing the ball wide and looked menacing in attack. Richard Colmer was first to benefit  from the attacks, scoring a try underneath the posts. Brother Mark Colmer duly adding the conversion to give Brook a 7 point lead. However this early promise so diminished as Heathens came back fighting. Their strong forwards giving the home side some troubles in defence and 3 penalties in 20 minutes saw the Heathens kicker coolly slot all three to put Heathens in the lead, 9 points to 7. It was then Farehams turn to give away a penalty, which Mark Colmer slotted between the uprights to take the score at half time 10-9 in Millbrook's favour.

Brook's loss of control on the game continued early into the second half when further ill-discipline saw Heathens again take the lead through a penalty. However this was to be the last of the travelling sides points as Brook, now losing 12-10, showed their worth and strung together a strong finish to the game. The last 30 minutes saw Brook overpower Heathens and run in four tries, split between the backs and forwards. The first of these came from an unconverted try from No. 8 Mike Mulcahy, followed by a second try from Rich Colmer, again converted by Brother Mark. Millbrook now leading 22 points to 12. Mark Colmer then added a second penalty, quickly followed by an unconverted try from Ratu Degei, coming off the bench as a front row replacement. The scoring was suitably rounded off by outside centre Mike Phippard who had a very strong game and a decent run saw him add the final try, again converted by Mark Colmer to give Millbrook a 37-12 win.

Millbrook's second XV were one of the few teams in Hampshire whose rugby pitch did not fall victim to the cold weather conditions as they faced Eastleigh's second XV at the Lordshill Rec. The two clubs respective first teams were due to face each other in the league but Eastleigh's pitches had suffered from the cold weather and were not playable. And to add to the bizarre events the game was played with only one set of posts as Millbrook are awaiting delivery of new posts for their pitch. This meant the game went ahead with no kicks for goal.

In the early stages of the game it became apparent that Eastleigh made the most of the first team not playing by bolstering the team that travelled to Millbrook. Eastleigh opened the scoring early and soon went over the line, scoring a quick succession of tries through strong support play and some good running lines from their backs. However, Millbrook fought back with the leadership of captain and stalwart Kev Byatt. Richard Colmer opening the home sides scoring from full back. Eastleigh dominated the first half and were several tries up as half time approached.

The second half continued with Eastleigh controlling most of the play however some determined chasing from outside centre Paul Griffin saw him get ahead of the Eastleigh defender and add Millbrook's second try . Millbrook's no. 8 S Swift was strong in defence and attack while Ryan Jones also played well on the flanks. However it was Eastleigh who sustained their level of scoring and by the full time whistle they had put the ball over the Millbrook try line 11 times making the final score 55-10. A good run out from Millbrook's second XV against a strong Eastleigh squad.

Millbrook v Romsey 16/01/10 report from Mike Randell
Millbrook looked to start 2010 with a win as they played hosts to local rivals Romsey. The game started well for Millbrook, early advances into the Romsey half kept the opposition on the back foot  and some strong driving mauls saw the home side come close to scoring on several occasions, however, just lacking the finishing touch. With about 30 minutes of the first half gone Romsey had made an attack and got into the Brook 22 for the first time in the game. Some strong forward play saw them edge closer to the try line before the referee awarded a penalty try for a second consecutive offence of the Millbrook defender not rolling away. Romsey's fly half converted in front of the stick and gave the away side a 7 point lead. Millbrook then slipped off the game and a sin binning to second row Luke Wilson rounded off a disappointing first half.

Brook came out in the second half fighting, Dan Wade at centre making some strong runs through the middle of the field and Brook's pressure finally paid off as Rich Colmer sent a cross field kick into the 22 for brother Mark to capitalise on the Romsey wingers mistake as the ball became free in the try area, winger Mark pouncing on the ball to close Romsey's lead to only 2 points. The next score looked like it could be the decisive one and it was to be Romsey's day. An unconverted try followed quickly by a penalty saw Romsey go up 15 points to 5. This was all but it for Millbrook who saw their hapless efforts pass by as Rich Colmer pounced on a loose ball in the try area, only to be decided that a foot was in touch. The game finishing 15-5 in Romsey's favour.

Millbrook v Trojans 2 - 23/01/10 report from Mike Randell
With Millbrook having a weekend free of league fixtures they picked up a friendly fixture against Trojans II XV. The game started well for both sides, both looking to put a stamp on the game early on but cancelling each other out. Millbrook then settled into the game first, an attack down one wing saw Millbrook break the game line and then swing the ball back across the pitch with a pass going to Rich Colmer who dummied his defender to keep his try tally ticking over with a try underneath the posts. Mark Colmer adding the conversion to give a 7 point lead. Brook then looked to build on this and some good rucking and mauling from their forwards built the foundations for centre Dan Wade to make some strong runs. No further scores were added as the half closed with Millbrook remaining 7-0 up.

The second half saw Trojans come to light as they came out strongly looking to play some impressive free flowing rugby. Brook's defence remained strong as Trojans shifted the ball well through hands but their substantial pressure paid off as the ball was spread wide for the Trojans winger to score an unconverted try. The game had now swung in Trojans favour a Millbrook battled strongly in defence to keep the visitors out. A break into the Trojans half saw the ball come loose over the Trojans try line and fly half Rich Colmer pounce on the ball ahead of the defender to add a second try. Again, Mark Colmer converting. Millbrook now leading 14 - 5, however Trojans again showed their tenacity and quickly add another unconverted try of their own. This then proved to be the last of Trojan's attacking play as Mark Colmer slotted a penalty to extend Brook's lead and give the final score of 17 - 10. A good win for Millbrook against a strong Trojans outfit, with sights now back on the league success.

Millbrook 2 v Alresford 2 43-3 Report from K.Byatt
An excellent performance from our second strings first game in 5 weeks. The forwards dominated their opposition taking many scrums against the head. Alan Day at scrumhalf, marshalled the pack well and freely distributed the well won ball. This gave the backs plenty of opportunity to run, all be it on a heavy pitch. They ran in 7 tries.

Millbrook v US Portsmouth. Report from Mike Randell
Millbrook entertained US Portsmouth this weekend. The game started well for Millbrook with an early penalty chance converted by captain Richard Colmer. This settled the home side as they began to play some fluent rugby and at times looking like a very useful side. The ball was swung wide on several occasions, with both Dan Burlone and Paul Griffin, the Brook wingers, making some good yards. This pressure was then turned into points as Rich Colmer pounced on a free ball to race through the middle of the park and score under the posts. Colmer then duly adding the conversion to extend the lead to 10 points. Brook remained in the driving seat and continued to put the pressure on the visiting side. However, this pressure was to no avail as the half closed 10-0.

The second half continued for a brief period with Millbrook outplaying the US Portsmouth side however the lack of opportunity taking meant that Millbrook were not out of reach. Brook's indiscipline throughout the game had cost them already in terms of losing ground but it now provided for a US Portsmouth fight back. A penalty chance in front of the posts allowed the US kicker to put his side within 7 points of Millbrook. And this penalty was soon followed by US Portsmouth's fight back, they were now looking the stronger outfit and made their pressure tell with a strong drive from their forwards resulting in the some panicky defence and the ball being shipped wide to find the overlap and allow the US Portsmouth winger to go over for a try and run across the in-goal area to ensure the easy conversion opportunity. The conversion was added and the scores were now level. With only 5 minutes left neither side found the winning score and the game ended 10-10.

The final score definitely tarnished with a feeling of a point dropped rather than a point gained, with the teams familiar inconsistency costing them.

Millbrook II 31-20 I.O.W. II Report from Kev Byatt
K.Stamataidis 2T  C.Clark 1T  S.Swift 1T  D.Owens 2c   S.Coffin 1c 1p
Another good performance from Millbrook's second team who beat I.O.W. seconds 31-20 at home. Unfortunately the game was played with uncontested scrums due to opposition shortages. This always tends to lead to a lack of good driving play in other aspects of the game. Millbrook were aware of this and tried to keep the pressure on their opposite pack in rucks and mauls. To this end, they were quite successful. Steve Swift had a good game at No8 and scored his first try for the club. Kenny Stamataidis at scrumhalf was like a terrier snapping at the heels of his opposite man and scored 2 good tries. Also on the score sheet was Craig Clark in the centre who made several powerful runs before pulling a hamstring and being replaced in the second half.

Eastleigh v Millbrook report from Mike Randell
Millbrook travelled to local rivals Eastleigh for what is always a highly competitive game, however this league fixture provided for a very solid, high intensity game of rugby. Millbrook travelled to Eastleigh with a weakened first team however this did not stop them putting the game to Eastleigh. Millbrook went at Eastleigh straight from the off as stand-in fly half Dave Owens intercepted the ball inside the Eastleigh 22, only not releasing the ball early enough for Mike Trench to capitalise. Millbrook then looked to camp themselves inside the home teams half. Some strong attacking play saw Millbrook break the game line again and again however the Eastleigh covering defence remained strong and the first opportunity for points fell to Mark Colmer who slotted two penalties during the first half to put Millbrook 6 points to the good. Eastleigh then fought back as they finished the first half virtually on the Millbrook try line, only being stopped by a defiant Millbrook defence, ending the half 6-0.

The second half continued with the same high intensity. Winger Kenny Stamataidis was brought into the team following unavailability of other players and he produced some impressive darting runs in the second half to show his worth and almost give Millbrook the try they so much needed. However, the points did not come and Eastleigh's powerful pack worked them back into the game and allowed them to score an unconverted try and close Brook's lead to one single point. Both sides continued to battle strongly in what was an ideal game of rugby for a mutual to watch. The final chance of points then fell to Eastleigh as they were given a penalty well within reach of their kicker. He slotted to put a 2 point lead in Eastleigh's favour and effectively ending the game with the final whistle fast approaching. This was Millbrook's strongest performance in recent months and looks good for upcoming games however they were to be unsuccessful after coming up against an Eastleigh side who also showed their strength and good form allowing them to just edge the game 8-6.

Alton v Eastleigh report from Mike Randell
Millbrook travelled to tough opposition in the form of league leaders Alton this weekend and the game began just as the previous league meeting did, with Alton's unified forwards showing their strength through a driving maul providing the foundations for a pushover try, conversion missed. This early shake by Brook was soon diminished as the travelling side worked themselves into the game. Both teams battled well in the middle of the park but it was in-form fly half Rich Colmer who capitalised on a loosely-thrown Alton pass, which he intercepted and raced away to add an unconverted try and bring the scores level. Alton put together several strong attacks by shifting the ball wide and utilising their quick wingers, only to be stopped by a defiant defence. Millbrook also had their share of chances, three penalty attempts and a exceptional covering tackle by the Alton winger forming part of Brook's missed opportunities. The half ended with the scores still level at 5-5.

Alton came out determined to put their stamp on the game in the second half and quickly scored a converted try to put them 7-points ahead. As Alton built on this quick success Millbrook rallied together and again showed a defiant defence. This is largely how the second half continued as Alton had a majority of the possession and looked for the extra points to put them out of reach. Millbrook absorbed the attacks and managed to the gain possession through Alton's mistakes and some strong lineout jumps through second row Luke Wilson. Alton then got the extra points they needed through a penalty to all but cement the final result. The final kick of the game came from the boot of the Alton fly half as he slotted a drop goal and took the score to 18-5 in the home sides favour. The second half largely dominated by Alton showed why they sit top of the league but Millbrook can feel content that the two final scores came from the boot and did not come from further tries due to the tough defending.

Millbrook v Aldershot & Fleet report from Mike Randell
Millbrook welcomed Aldershot & Fleet to 5 Acres this weekend, knowing nothing less than a win would suffice, and the game started perfectly for Millbrook. Some strong forward play saw a drive towards the Aldershot try line which ended with experienced no. 8 Mike Mulcahy touching down to open the scoring. Mark Colmer duly adding the conversion. Aldershot got a brief look into the play when some undisciplined defending resulted in an Aldershot penalty which their fly half just put wide of the posts. Millbrook then rebuilt their momentum and after a short passage of play quick ball allowed for the play to be flung out to the wing where some good handling in the backs saw Paul Griffin take the final pass and score the home sides second try. The conversion was missed leaving the score at 12-0. Brook almost then repeated this exact same phase of play shortly after the restart and, although the ball was spilt out wide, a good pick-up by winger Griffin saw him go over for his second try of the game. Mark Colmer adding the conversion and Brook now comfortably in the driving seat at 19 points to nil. However, the home side then stepped off the gas and allowed Aldershot to work themselves into the game and to their credit they battled strongly, working themselves into the 22 and scoring a try from their first real chance. No conversion was added and some bland play after the restart ended the half.

Aldershot then took their momentum into the second half as Brook's soft tackling allowed the visitors to break the game line again and again. Millbrook then lost fly half Rich Colmer to an ankle injury, with Alan Day replacing him. Brook also then introduced winger Kenny Stamataidis and front row Rob Richards into the game. As the visitors tired Alan Day provided a precise pass to meet centre Mike Cronin's angled run, tearing open the visitors defence just on the 22 and allowing Cronin to score his second competitive try for the club. Mark Colmer added the conversion and Millbrook holding a comfortable lead at 26-5. However, this 'comfortable' lead was threatened again by some good play by Aldershot. Their strong no. 8 making several decent runs and forming a base for a second Aldershot try just to the left of the Millbrook posts. The conversion was added a Millbrook's lead cut to 26-12. This was to be the last of Aldershot's attacking play as man of the match and replacement Rob Richards scored Millbrook's final try. Colmer converted again. With the score now 33-12 the league win and a place in the next round of the Gales Plate was all but cemented. A strong, but not yet complete, performance gives Millbrook their first league win of 2010 and sets up what is likely to be another double header next weekend as Millbrook host local rivals Southampton.

Millbrook v Southampton 27/02/10 Report from Mike Randell
Millbrook looked to keep their strong finish to the season on track as they welcomed Southampton in a league and plate quarter-final double header. The game started slowly for both sides and this jaded start saw the early stages of the game played in the middle of the park. However, it was Millbrook who looked to kick start the game on a wet afternoon. Millbrook's backs looking the superior of the two sets with ball in hand however a few cases of sloppy handling saw no points added. Southampton looked to use their powerful front five with constant driving maul attacks but Millbrook's forward stepped up to the plate and matched their opposition to stop them in their tracks. Southampton then had their first opportunity of points with an easy penalty chance that was converted for a 3-0 lead. Millbrook then got their own penalty chance which Mark Colmer placed through the uprights to put the scores level. The next score came from a counter attack, with Southampton just pushing the Millbrook 10 metre line the ball was kicked over straight into the hands of second row Luke Wilson, he draw the man before passing off to Mike Trench who performed the same act and released Rich Colmer who raced down the left wing. The ball was then popped back inside to winger Mike Phippard who stepped the last defender to round off a strong phase of play and put Millbrook ahead through an unconverted try. A couple more of strong attacks through some consistent support play finished the half, leaving Millbrook 8-3 ahead.

The second half did quite continue as the first finished and whilst Millbrook kept most of the possession it was Southampton's turn to score against the run of play. Their forwards put together some strong phases of tight play which worked them into the home sides 22 and provided the build up for a converted try to put Southampton into a 2 point lead with the score 10-8. Millbrook then made a couple of changes, one of which paid off almost instantly. Winger and birthday boy Dan Burlone was on the end of a strong run by Mike Cronin to make his first touch a scoring one as Millbrook went over for a second try and a 13-10 lead. A final surge from Southampton saw them play in the Millbrook half but unable to break down the defence. A good covering tackle from Luke Wilson saw a possible try scoring opportunity quashed as Millbrook closed out the game and edged a tight encounter with their league rivals. A 13-10 win moving them up a position in the league and securing a place in the semi-final of the plate for the second year running.

Millbrook v Farnborough 6/3/10 Report from Mike Randell
Millbrook welcomed visitors Farnborough this weekend in what promised to be a good game. Both sides had hit some recent form and were looking to extend their winning streaks to three games in a row. Farnborough started strongly, their influential no.8 making covering decent ground with the ball in arm. Millbrook's defence was slightly off the pace, missing the first up tackles however the required covering tackles were made to stop the visitors from scoring any points. Millbrook in the form of Rich Colmers boot were then given a penalty opportunity was which slotted between the uprights. Farnborough were not at all knocked off course and their fly half and no.8 quickly linked to score a converted try from some impressive rugby and put them 7-3 up. Millbrook now took the initiative and began to put together strong phases of play. Millbrook's forwards, who dominated throughout, were to score two tries to prove their worth. The first came through a powerful drive over the visitors try line which Mike Mulcahy touched down to put Brook one point ahead with the conversion missed. The second forwards try came from some good rucking and mauling phases which concluded with Mike Trench taking the ball near the try line and step the covering defenders to dive over and score his first competitive try of the season. Rich Colmer adding the conversion as the half closed 15-7 to Millbrook.

The second began almost before the whistle was blown, Farnborough scoring a converted try in a matter of seconds from the kick off and closing the Millbrook lead to one point. This gave them the edge and the confidence to take the game to Millbrook, Farnborough ran almost everything with their fly half playing well with the ball in hand and if not only for some good covering tackles from Mike Cronin several tries could have been scored by the visitors. Their substantial pressure only amounting to a penalty to take the score 17-15 in their favour. Farnborough then looked to secure their lead as their forwards played some clever rugby and their no.8 going over for a further unconverted try and a 7 point advantage as they took the score to 22-15. Millbrook now needed to rally together and get themselves back into the game and rally they did. The Brook forwards played to their strengths and piled on the pressure deep in the Farnborough half. The pressure resulted in a sin binning and after several more penalties the referee awarded a penalty try which Rich Colmer duly slotted the simple conversion to put the scores level. Millbrook have lost out in similar close encounters earlier in the season but banished any chance of that happening in this game when Paul Griffin and Mike Trench linked superbly before an off load to Rich Colmer saw the simple run in extend Colmer's personal tally and put Brook 27-22 up with just minutes remaining. A third win on the trot for Millbrook as they ended the game 27-22.