Match Reports 2010-11

New Milton v Millbrook 18/09/10 - Report from Mike & Laura Randell

Millbrook RFC travelled to New Milton for their opening league game of the 2010/11 season. Having not played on the opening weekend Millbrook were fresh and eager to get the league campaign under way and there was a strong buzz in preparation for this game. The starting line up saw Mike Randell return to the wing and Dean Weaver return to the flanks after both being out last season with injuries, it also saw newcomer Andy Hoggins having a starting place in the centres after impressing in the previous weeks' friendly. New Milton started the game well but a defiant Millbrook defence kept the scores level in the early stages, try saving tackles from Mark Colmer and Tom Colling kept the home side out. Millbrook weathered the pressure and a break through the backs saw full back Mark Colmer off load in the tackle to winger Mike Randell who had an open field to run into, try scored under the uprights. Mark Colmer duly adding the conversion. It was no Millbrook's turn to be on the front foot and some good rucking and mauling from the Brook forwards saw the ball retained well in the close. The New Milton back row did well to spoil the attacks and turn over the ball. New Milton attacked up the field and off-loaded well to put the pressure on and get a converted try of their own and put the scores level. But the visitors proved to strong and were able to respond swiftly by moving towards the home sides try line. A ruck yards from the try line saw scrum half Alan Day collect the ball and spin a pass out to Mike Randell who went over for his second try right out on the touch line. Mark Colmer again adding the conversion from the touch line. The scores stayed at 7 - 14 until half time.

New Milton recuperated and attacked strongly in the second half but some fierce tackling from flanker Dean Weaver stopped New Milton breaking the game line. A large chunk of the game was played in the middle of the park with both sides defending strongly. Centre Andy Hoggins made several powerful runs on his debut and the hard work of the Brook forwards allowed Millbrook to get a penalty in front of the opposition posts. Mark Colmer slotted for a 17 - 7 lead. Two sin binnings, one for scrum half Alan Day and one for the New Milton flanker saw both sides down to 14 men and Brook were first to score after this. A forwards try, touched down by powerful no.8 Mike Mulcahy saw Brook extend their lead further, Mark Colmer again adding the conversion. Brook now led 24 - 7 and looked to close the game out. However, New Milton weren't to let this happen and, in possession, looked to spin the ball out and attack the Millbrook backs. This determination led to their second try of the game and with the conversion missed the score was closed to 24 - 12. Two Millbrook substitutions saw the fresh legs of forward Wayne Allen and back Rich Colmer step into the action and help Millbrook close the game out. The final score 24 - 12 and the league campaign off to the right start.

Millbrook v Southampton 25/09/10 - Report from Mike & Laura Randell

Millbrook hosted local rivals Southampton in their first home league game of the season and looked to build on the prior week success at New Milton. The game was expected to be a physical affair and physical it was right from the off with Southampton looking to run hard, direct lines. However the first score was soon to come to the home side when a well worked move from the back of a scrum saw scrum half Alan Day release winger Mike Randell to go over out wide for the first score of the game, Mark Colmer narrowly missing the conversion. With confidence running high Millbrook were on the attack again and with the ball spread wide Mark Colmer was able to go over for a try which he duly converted taking the score to 12 - 0.

Southampton remained defiant and continued to run the ball through their forwards but the Millbrook defence were up to the task making tackle after tackle to keep the visitors out including a superb covering tackle from front row Ratu Degei. With the ball in hand Millbrook were able to make good ground and this resulted in another converted try, forward Dean Weaver placing the ball over the line. Again, Mark Colmer adding the kick. Millbrook kept the high intensity of the game going, stretching the Southampton defence and a well structured backs line saw a fourth try being scored, Mike Phippard finishing off the move and Mark Colmer adding the conversion to take the half time score to 26 - 0.

The second half continued as the first ended. A good chase from the Millbrook kick off led to Southampton kicking to the middle of the park to clear their lines however fly half Dan Wade made the catch and darted up the park exploiting the gaps in the visitors defence and going over for a try. The conversion was put just wide by Rich Colmer who replaced his brother Mark, at full back, during the interval. It was then to be Rich Colmer himself to score and convert his own effort. Forward Mike Trench kicked the ball up field and a chase from the full back saw him take possession in the middle of the pitch and run the remainder to score under the posts. The score now 38 - 0 to Millbrook with one more score to come from the home side. The Millbrook forwards completed the scoring with Wayne Allen going over for 5 points and Rich Colmer adding the extra two with the kick giving a 45 - 0 lead.

Andy Hoggins came on in the centres and looked dangerous, running some good lines in attack however he was yellow carded for a dangerous tackle giving Brook a spell of 10 minutes with only 14 men. Southampton battled as they refused to go without reward for their efforts, piling the pressure on the home sides try line. The visitors spun the ball wide and went over for a try right on the touch line which was converted well from the acute angle. And this wasn't to be the end of the attacks as the pressure applied from the Southampton forwards led to several penalties, from one of which the Southampton scrum half capitalised to take a quick tap and score an unconverted try. The final score was 45 - 12 to Millbrook and whilst there was some disappointment that the visitors were able to score towards the end of the game it was nevertheless a convincing win with some brilliant support play and clinical finishing showing the Millbrook side as a team really coming together.

Fareham Heathens v Millbrook 02/10/10 - Report from Mike & Laura Randell

Millbrook travelled to Fareham Heathens and the match did not commence in a particularly good fashion. Fareham Heathens came out of the blocks with a much higher intensity than the travelling side and quickly scored a converted try through some direct forwards play. And from this they did not let off the gas causing Millbrook to give away penalties in kickable positions, one of which was coolly slotted for a 10 point lead within the first quarter of the game. Millbrook picked up the intensity and fought back but some rushed play led to several mistakes upon which Heathens were able to keep their points conceded tally at nil.

However, Millbrook were able to steady themselves when seven points were grabbed through captain Rich Colmer. Back at fly half, the captain capitalised on the hesitance of the Heathen's full back and was able to scoop up a loose ball inside the opposition 22 and score and convert his try. From this point Millbrook were able to display the intended performance. Colmer added a further three points, bringing the scores level, when Millbrook were presented with a penalty opportunity. A second try followed later in the half when Millbrook broke from their own half down the left side of the pitch and then across the right through some quick recycling and strong support play, Tom Colling finishing off out wide and Rich Colmer adding the conversion. The second half ended 17 - 10 in Millbrook's favour.

In the second half Fareham Heathens continued to battle for possession but strong tackling throughout the Millbrook forwards thwarted any attacking opportunities for the home side. Full back Mike Cronin, who already played a big part in the build up to the second Millbrook try was also to play a significant part in the third try. Fareham Heathens cleared the lines however the kick fell straight to the hands of the full back Cronin who darted back up the pitch through the Heathen's defence. Whilst the covering tackle was made Millbrook pushed closer to the try line and some good rucking saw scrum half Alan Day dive over the line to put Millbrook 22 points to 10 ahead. And the bonus point win was sealed when Millbrook's defensive aggression led to an interception try from winger Mike Randell with 10 minutes remaining. Rich Colmer adding the conversion and the score now 29 - 10 to Millbrook.

Millbrook v Andover 09/10/10 - Report from Mike Randell

Millbrook hosted league leaders Andover in a big top of the league clash on Saturday. With a full strength team, an undefeated league campaign to date and a goal of promotion Brook were confident of a successful afternoon but Andover, also undefeated in the league and sitting at the top of the table, were only looking for a win with their sights clearly set on an immediate return to the London leagues after relegation last season and this drive showed right from the kick off. The home sides lacklustre start saw them concede an unconverted try and a penalty within the first five minutes putting them down 8 - 0 in the process. This was the kickstart of what was to be a brilliant game of Saturday afternoon rugby. Brook soon got their scoring underway when a penalty chance in front of the posts was slotted by kicker Mark Colmer. With the game now well and truly underway both sides battled hard with and without possession. The Millbrook forwards remained strong in the scrum and won their own lineout ball to build a platform for the attacking play the home side displayed.

A heavy period of pressure from the Millbrook forwards led to Millbrook attacking deep in Andover's half and it was good vision from fly half Rich Colmer saw him chip over the top of the defence for winger Mike Randell to chase, Randell pressured the covering full back and was able to dive on the ball in the try area for Millbrook's first try of the afternoon. The conversion added by Mark Colmer putting the home side 10 points to 8 ahead. The half continued with a fierce intensity and the Millbrook forwards looked close to scoring through their driving mauls and their powerful scrums however the visitors defence remained strong and kept the scoreboard at 10 - 8. The first half closed with an Andover penalty giving them the edge at 11 - 10 going into the break.

The second half did not start as the home side would have wanted, defending in their own 22 Millbrook attempted to clear their lines through a kick but this was charged down by an Andover player who was then able to scoop the ball up and score an unconverted try putting Andover 16 - 10 ahead. Millbrook's forwards and in particular their lineouts were superb, winning ball against the head and retaining all of their own and this again built a platform for further points when another penalty opportunity was presented to the boot of Mark Colmer who converted brining the scores to within 3 points. It was Andover, however, who showed their tenacity and drive to remain as league leaders. Good support play across their team saw them cross the Millbrook line again with their full back converting to put the scores at 23 - 13. Mark Colmer clawed back another 3 points through a penalty opportunity. Mike Trench, who had performed outstandingly at number 8 having never played there before, was part of a move which saw Millbrook come to within two points of Andover. Trench took the ball in the middle of the park, drew his man and released wing Mike Randell. The winger was brought down deep in the Andover half but was able to offload to second row Ratu Degei, who made a 40 metres determined run to support the winger and score an unconverted try for Millbrook. The score now 23 - 21 to Andover.

The final 20 minutes saw the gap between where Millbrook are and where Millbrook want to be as Andover's fitness allowed them to score two further unconverted tries and close out the game 33 - 21 denying Millbrook of even a losing bonus point. A disappointing afternoon for a Millbrook side capable of winning the match but against an organised, powerful team who will surely go the season being the team to beat.

IOW v Millbrook 23/10/10 - Report from Mike Randell

Millbrook took the ferry over to the Isle of Wight to face their opposition this weekend and a few changes to the squad saw Mike Cronin starting at full back, Dan Wade return to the centres and forward Mike Mulcahy was also welcomed back into the starting XV after being unavailable for the previous outing. However the home side were the team looking to make an impact right from the off and it was their influential fly half who picked the holes in the defence to score under the posts, with the conversion added the hosts led 7 - 0. Millbrook replied almost immediately when a clearance kick by the I.O.W full back saw the ball picked up in the middle of the park and fly half Rich Colmer run down the middle of the pitch for the try. Colmer added the conversion to his try to put the scores level at 7 - 7.

Millbrook, now settled somewhat, then went ahead as forward Mike Trench carried the ball through the home sides 22 and touched down out wide. The conversion was missed and Millbrook now led 12 - 7. But the home side looked to get their first league points as they battled strongly in the forwards and broke up the pitch. They soon went over for their second try which was duly converted as they now led 14 - 12. Millbrook picked up their intensity, which was lacking throughout the first half, and several strong line outs and scrummages built the platform for a pushover try, Mike Trench placing the ball down for his second try of the day and fly half Colmer adding the conversion. Millbrook's lead was short-lived as the Isle of Wight showed their determination and went over for a third try, the conversion was added to close the half with the scores level at 19 - 19.

The second half got off to a better start with Millbrook taking the initiative and a superb individual effort from Rich Colmer saw him dart through the middle of the park tearing open the home sides defence and putting Millbrook in the lead at 26 - 19. However the inability to maintain a good level of intensity saw Millbrook again drop their game and concede a further unconverted try as the Islanders secured a 'four-try-or-more' bonus point. But the hopes of win for the home side where shattered when Captain Rich Colmer then rounded off his performance with a third try, again a clever run through the defence saw him touch down for the hat trick and add the conversion. Millbrook now leading 33 - 24 began to string together their high quality attacking flair.

Further tries came for Millbrook down the left hand wing as the strong-performing Fijian Ratu Degei put winger Mike Randell in for an unconverted try. This was quickly followed by a converted try as Millbrook made a break from their own 22 from the kick off and some good handling and support play saw Mike Cronin score a well deserved try as he ran in just to the left of the uprights. Ratu Degei then got on the score sheet himself as Brook went into 50 - 24 lead. Isle of Wight finished the game with an unconverted try but this only a consolation it a game that proved to be a thirteen try thriller. The final score, a win for Millbrook, of 50 points to 29 points.

Millbrook played host to Farnborough RFC this weekend in what was an intense affair and Millbrook managed to finding their footing early, some quick hands in the backs providing winger Mike Randell the opportunity to score out wide for an early unconverted try. Millbrook had now settled into their stride early in the game and their attacking play looked strong as the ball was played across the field and into the Farnborough half. Centre Dan Wade was next to score for the hosts as his quick footwork saw him touchdown to the left of the uprights, Rich Colmer's slotting the conversion to give Brook a 12 - 0 lead.

With 25 minutes gone Millbrook still looked the stronger side and some fierce tackling in the forwards, in particular front row Dean Vincent and flanker Dean Weaver, kept Farnborough out through a majority of the first half. However, the Farnborough backs looked to the run the ball at every opportunity and this provided a good base for their forwards who did go over for an unconverted try of their own closing the lead by seven points to 12 - 5. A missed penalty opportunity and a sin binning to Millbrook winger Tom Colling closed out the half leaving the score 12 - 5 at half time.

The second half continued with a high intensity from both sides and it was a superb break from Millbrook full back Mike Cronin that provided the foundations for the next points of the game. His angled run saw him dart towards the edge of the Farnborough 22 and off-load to fly half Rich Colmer who touched down and converted his own effort, giving the home side a 19 points to 5 lead. Colmer then extended the score by three points with a penalty but it was Farnborough who were to score the next try of the game, capitalising when Millbrook did not turn pressure into points. Millbrook were driving deep into the Farnborough half but a turnover ball saw Farnborough break and release various players through some good support play allowing them to go over for a converted try, putting the score at 22 - 12.

Both sides then exchanged a penalty each through their number 10's and with the score at 25 - 15 Millbrook needed to find just one more try for their bonus point and this they did. Rich Colmer hacked through on a loose ball and beat the covering defence to dive on the ball in the try area. With the conversion missed Millbrook led 30 - 15. The final play of the game saw a lapse in Millbrook's defence as Farnborough went over for a final converted try and close the score at 30 - 22 to Millbrook but the win and the bonus points secured as Millbrook staying joint second in the league with neighbours Eastleigh.


Millbrook v Farnham 06/11/10 - Report from Mike Randell

Millbrook RFC welcomed Surrey side Farnham RFC in their Junior Vase fixture this weekend, a side that England International and World Cup Winner Jonny Wilkinson played for in his very early rugby days. Unavailability meant several changes were made to the starting line up with Rich Goodridge and Rob Richards both starting at the prop position, a first team debut for Dave Whineray in the second row and a shuffle around in the back row saw Mike Trench play his second game this season at number 8. Dan Burlone also a different face in the starting line up, taking up position on the wing.

Both sides started the game well and some early exchanges in the middle of the park kept the scores at 0 - 0 for the first quarter of the game. Farnham looked to play the ball wide, offloading at every opportunity but it was the Millbrook forwards who set the precedence, providing the foundation for the opening try as the ball was swung wide for Dan Burlone to touch down. Conversion missed and Millbrook ahead 5 - 0. This lead was soon extended when captain Rich Colmer slotted a neat penalty. Further good work from the Millbrook forwards in attack and defence allowed the ball to be swung out again to the backs, full back Mike Cronin's darting run taking him through the visitors defence and seeing him go over for Brook's second try. Colmer added the conversion to put the score at 15 - 0 with half time looming.

The second half continued well, Millbrook making their tackles across the park both in the backs and the forwards so to cut out the Farnham attacks and man of the match Luke Wilson winning lineout ball against the head. The third Millbrook try came from a big driving scrum from the Brook forwards, scrum half Alan Day scoring the points with Rich Colmer adding the conversion from a tight angle to take the score to 22 - 0. Millbrook now in full swing and controlling the game were to score one more try, a clearance kick from Farnham only reached as far winger Dan Burlone. He then offloaded to the other Millbrook winger Mike Randell who set off on a clever break down the middle of the park to score a try to the right of the sticks, conversion missed.

With the score now 27 - 0 Millbrook let off the gas completely and Farnham quickly scored an unconverted try followed by a converted try, the second of which saw a good backs move put the Farnham centre in underneath the posts. Millbrook still put together some good phases in attack with centre Andy Hoggins making a couple of good breaks but a significant decline in the defensive performance and a red card to replacement winger Mandeep Singh saw Farnham go over for a third try after spinning the ball out wide. Again the conversion was added and the score closed to 27 - 19 but these were to be the final points of the game as Millbrook saw out the final stages and maintained their current winning streak.

Overall, this was a good win from a changed Millbrook side and even with the lapse in the defensive performance the team are into the next round of the Vase and showing good attacking flair throughout the team.

Ventnor v Millbrook 13/11/10 - Report from Mike Randell

Millbrook travelled across the water to the Isle of Wight to face newly promoted Ventnor RFC. Ventnor, having shown their ability to cope in the league after already knocking up some good wins at this early stage in the season, were to throw their all into the game from the off. Utilising their big, running forwards the home side attacked into the Millbrook half early in the game and put the pressure on the visitors defence. However, it was the set plays were Millbrook shone. Superb line out work saw Luke Wilson and Wayne Allen winning lineout after lineout to set up Millbrook's attacks. And with about 20 minutes gone a lineout move in the Ventnor 22 provided the foundations for a driving maul which the Millbrook forwards took over the try line, Jordie Coffin touching down the opening score, conversion missed.

With another ten minutes having passed the same lineout move set up an almost identical try. Another push by the Millbrook forwards over the try line, this time scrum half Alan Day taking the honours. With the conversion missed the score was now 10 -0. Ventnor still battled and ran the ball at Millbrook, but with tackles being made across the park the home side could not find a way through, whilst Millbrook's attacking finesse saw front row Mike McNeish go on a darting run up the field. The ball was then passed through several hands before being swung wide for Dan Burlone to score a further five points. Conversion missed and the half closed at 15 - 0.

Millbrook continued the second half as the first finished, attacking play built on the foundations of strong lineouts. Again, the Millbrook forwards were to get on the score sheet when a scrum in the opposition half saw Mike Mulcahy break away and score an unconverted try out wide. With Millbrook now fully in control and four-or-more tries bonus point scored it was winger Mike Randell who was to add some further points scoring a try right out on the touchline. Conversion missed but fly half Rich Colmer soon adding a kick with a penalty opportunity shortly after. The score now 28 - 0 in Millbrook's favour.

Replacements were then made with the most significant being Sonny Bedwell returning to league action and he soon showed his worth, two tries in ten minutes from the replacement showing both his own strength and the visitors dominance of the second half. Both tries were converted by Rich Colmer closing the game out at 42 - 0.

Millbrook v Eastleigh 20/11/10 - Report from Mike Randell

No report due to depression

Millbrook v Old Blues 27/11/10 - Report from Mike Randell

Millbrook entertained Surrey 1 league leaders Old Blues RFC in their Junior Vase 3rd Round fixture this weekend giving themselves a chance to get into the next round of the vase but also an opportunity to test themselves against an equivalent level club from another county. The preparation to the game and the game itself did not start as the home side would have hoped, conceding an unconverted try in the first five minutes of the game when the Old Blues centre broke through the home sides defence. This first try gave an indication of the free running rugby Old Blues wanted to play but Millbrook quickly adjusted to this as the forwards battled hard to win turnover ball in the rucks and mauls.

Millbrook then strung together some attacks of their own and a penalty inside the Old Blues 22 was capitalised on by fly half Rich Colmer who took a quick tap and sprinted under the uprights, the fly half also adding the conversion. With both teams settled into the game Old Blues then found their momentum again as they went over for a converted try, again breaking the game line with some strong support play. This time the conversion was added and the visitors led 12 - 7. With Millbrook looking to stay in contention they continued to battle well in the forwards as the defence toughened up and more turnover ball was won. The strong defence then allowed for a counter-attack when the ball was loosely thrown out wide for winger Mike Randell to hack through, a bizarre chase between the Millbrook winger and the Old Blues full back ended with Randell going over for an unconverted try. The half closed 12 - 12 with Millbrook looking the stronger side.

The second continued as the first finished, Millbrook looking to run the ball through the backs after it had been secured through the forwards hard work. Brook centre Andy Hoggins had been making good breaks through the middle of the park throughout the first half and his first break of the second half saw him put winger Randell in. Rich Colmer's conversion put Millbrook 19 - 12 ahead. It was then the forwards turn to score as back row Mike Trench, who had been rucking superbly all afternoon, to take the ball on inside the visitors 22 and powered over. Colmer again adding the conversion and Millbrook more than two scores ahead at 26 - 12.
Old Blues then rallied and showed their character to swiftly putting their running game back into action and score an unconverted try, closing the score to 26 - 17. Millbrook then had to sustain a long period of Old Blues attack as the visitors pushed to further close the gap in the score line. However, Millbrook put one foot in the next round as an attack took them deep into the Old Blues half and a perfectly placed box kick from scrum half Alan Day set up winger Randell who chased and gathered for his third try of the game. Captain Rich Colmer narrowly missed the conversion from out wide and Millbrook were comfortably two scores ahead at 31 - 17. Again Old Blues bounced back and scored a converted try to close the score to 31 - 24 however this was only to be a consolation as Millbrook closed the game out and move into the next round of the national competition.

Millbrook v Romsey 11/12/10 - Report from Mike Randell

Millbrook welcomed fourth-placed Romsey in their local derby league match this weekend. The game did not start badly for Brook but an inability to get out of first gear saw Romsey score the first points of the day with a penalty in front of the posts and this showed the visitors intent for the afternoon, taking the most of point-scoring opportunities as they arose. However, it was Millbrook who got on the score sheet next. A superb pushover try from the forwards allowed hooker Jordie Coffin to score, fly half Rich Colmer duly adding the conversion putting Millbrook 7 - 3 ahead.
 
Brook now should have settled into the game but a blood injury in the backs division saw some changes around, followed by an injury to centre Dan Wade and this stopped the team from settling. Romsey then closed the lead, again taking their opportunity for points as their kicker cooly slotted a second penalty. Millbrook still battled in the game and threw together some phases of attack but some sloppy mistakes and silly decisions saw chances go astray as the home side struggled to find any further scores in the first half. Romsey, however, were playing their game when possible and scored a well supported try down the left flank. A good break on half way saw them attack down the left, offloading to support for the final ball carrier to run the ball in towards the posts. The conversion was added and Romsey led 13 - 7 as half time approached.

The second half began with Millbrook still not functioning to their usual capacity but further good work in the forwards saw Millbrook play to their strengths utilising the line out and drive to score another pushover try. This time front row Mike McNeish touching the ball down. Colmer added the conversion and Millbrook now led 14 - 13. Romsey, playing with a determined tenacity, now attacked in the Millbrook half but a wayward kick saw Millbrook take a drop out in their own 22 and a mix up in the Romsey back line allowed winger Mike Randell to collect the ball first and run in for an unconverted try. Millbrook now 19 - 13 ahead. With the scores so close Romsey battled deep into the home sides half, sucking in the Millbrook defence as they then swung the ball wide to score an unconverted try out wide. The conversion was missed but from the restart a penalty opportunity soon fell to Romsey and again their kicker slotted the ball between the uprights, this time putting Romsey two points ahead at 21 - 19.

However, the line out again proved to be the decider on the day. The Millbrook lineout was arguably the only part of Millbrook's game functioning at full strength throughout the game and the good work from the Millbrook jumpers again set the foundations for the third pushover try. Hooker Jordie Coffin rounding off a good performance with his second of the afternoon and with the conversion missed Millbrook were 24 - 21 ahead. Millbrook dug deep to close out the game and the final score remained 24 - 21. A disappointing bonus point win that never really saw Millbrook play to their full potential against a Romsey side who looked to upset the game where possible and take their opportunities for points.


Southampton v Millbrook 08/01/11 - Report from Mike Randell

Millbrook travelled down the road to rivals Southampton for their first competitive match of 2011. Whilst Millbrook comfortably won the reverse fixture towards the start of the season this match was anticipated as being a tougher game, with Southampton's improving results and the Christmas break expecting to have created a few cobwebs. However, this was not the case as the visitors looked to play fluent rugby from the off. Returning full-back Mark Colmer opened the scoring from an overlap out wide and Millbrook went into a 5 - 0 lead. Southampton quickly returned with a well-taken penalty but the gap between the two sides soon opened as Millbrook continued to attack.

The next points came from a superb break by centre Andy Hoggins, after breaking two tackles Hoggins withdrew the covering full-back and popped the ball back inside for winger Mike Randell to run in for a simple try. Conversion added by Mark Colmer and Millbrook now 12 - 3 ahead. Millbrook now dominating proceedings looked capable of scoring from any opportunity as the forwards secured ball at the breakdown down after each phase. Back row Mike Trench was next to get on the scoring with a clever run which saw him throw a dummy pass and cut through the defence to score under the posts. Colmer adding the conversion and Brook now 19 - 3 ahead. The four-try bonus point was then secured in the first half as winger Tom Colling raced in for an unconverted try out wide. The half closed at 24 - 3 to Millbrook.

Millbrook continued the second half with the same fresh determination, off loading out of tackles to play a fast paced game and it was now Fijian Ratu Degei who got onto the score board, a clever chip from fly half Dan Wade allowed Millbrook to secure the ball in the opposition 22 and an offload to second row Degei saw him power his way through the defence to go over the try line. Conversion missed and Millbrook now cruising at 29 - 3 ahead. This play was quickly followed by a well-deserved try for outside centre Hoggins, his powerful running in the backs had already set up two tries on the day and now his darting run saw him go over himself, his first try for the club. The conversion was added by Colmer and Millbrook now led 36 - 3.

The home side had not really threatened the visitors try line but an opportunity arose when Brook had a lapse in concentration. The Southampton forwards battled to secure the ball and went over for a converted try, closing the score to 36 - 10. But these were to be the final points for the home side as full back Colmer added a penalty before Ratu Degei raced down the right wing to score his second try of the afternoon and round off a good performance. The final score 44 - 10 to Millbrook and a strong first performance for the new year as Millbrook look to build on 2010's successes and ensure they play to a high standard against all opposition.

Fareham Heathens v Millbrook 15/01/10 - Report from Mike Randell

Millbrook welcomed Fareham Heathens to 5 acres in the second league fixture of 2011. Early exchanges saw the play largely in the middle of the field with both sides defensive capabilities cancelling out any prospective attacks with the difference between the two sides only being a Millbrook penalty slotted by Mark Colmer. However, this early balanced game only lasted for the first 15 minutes of the game. Millbrook, getting into their flow, swung the ball wide for winger Mike Randell to put the first try on the board. Conversion added by Mark Colmer and Millbrook 10 points to the good. Heathens then did get a small look into the game as they slotted a penalty opportunity to give them 3 points but the home side now began the onslaught. Centre Andy Hoggins showed a good turn of pace after receiving the ball out wide from a pass from winger Tom Colling and raced in to score Millbrook's second try of the afternoon, again Mark Colmer converting.

Millbrook, now 17 - 3 ahead, suffered a potential setback as Mike Cronin was sent to the sideline for 10 minutes but a Fareham Heathens playing was also sin binned minutes later restoring the balance. Fly half Dan Wade was next to get on the scoreboard as he made a darting run through the middle of the park to score under the posts. Colmer added the conversion and put the home side into a 24 - 3 lead at half time.

The second half began with Millbrook still flying. Mike Phippard came on as a half time substitute and almost scored with his first touch, eventually offloading to centre Mike Cronin who powered over for a further converted try. This try was almost immediately followed up by another. A passage of strong support play saw Millbrook work up the field through forwards Jordie Coffin and Sonny Bedwell before the move was finished off by centre Andy Hoggins. Conversion added putting the score at 38 - 3.

Mark Colmer, who had been on target with the boot all afternoon was next to add to Millbrook's try tally, his try and conversion putting the score at 45 points to 3. Fareham Heathens continued to battle in the game but the second half remained predominantly a one-sided performance as a loose ball in the Heathens 22 was scooped up by winger Tom Colling who stepped an opposition player and darted under the posts to notch up the 50 points before Colmer added the conversion. With the game reaching the close stages an eighth try of the day was added through stand in fly half Dan Wade as he placed the ball down out wide for an unconverted try and putting the score at 57 - 3 in the home sides favour.

A well rounded performance from Millbrook, with both forwards and backs performing strongly in anticipation of next weeks big league clash at Andover.

Andover v Millbrook 22/01/10 - Report from Mike Randell

Millbrook travelled to undefeated Andover this weekend in what was always going to be a tough fixture. However, Millbrook's current form had put them in good stead and this showed from the start as a high intensity performance was produced from the off. Millbrook had the better of the opening exchanges, breaking into the Andover half and securing good ball but some wayward decision making saw potential opportunities go a missing. The deadlock was broken when a penalty opportunity arrived for Mark Colmer to cooly convert giving Brook a 3 - 0 lead.

The score remained at 3 - 0 for a majority of the first half but this was not without excitement for the home and visiting spectators as both sides played a good level of rugby. Andover looking to extend their undefeated league run threw together a string of attacks, utilising both backs and forwards. But the Millbrook defence remained defiant, fierce tackling across the pitch and good pressure from the Millbrook defence kept Andover out and even provided the base for some attacking play of their own. Andover did eventually break the deadlock as a gap in the visitors defence was found and a clever run saw them score an unconverted try out wide. Millbrook then closed the lead to two points when a penalty opportunity arose after already seeing a try disallowed for a forward pass. Half time with the scores 8 - 6 to Andover.

The second half proved to be difficult as Millbrook went down to 14 players early in the second half when Wayne Allen was sin binned for an offence just short of the Millbrook try line. The resulting play saw an Andover back row played break off the back of the scrum to run the 5m and dive over for a try. With the conversion added Andover now led 15 - 6. This period of 14 men for Millbrook became something to rue as Andover then went over for another converted try and put themself into a lead of 22 points to 6.

Millbrook battled on and showed a tenacious character in continuing to look for opportunities to score but could only add an additional three points through the boot of Mark Colmer. After having used all three replacements Millbrook again had to go down to 14 men as Mike Phippard took a tumble over his ankle and had to leave the field with no further replacements permitted. From this point no further points were scored and a credit to both sides who defensive capabilities were both organised and aggressive. The game closed out at 22 - 9 in favour of Andover.

A disappointing afternoon for a promising Millbrook side who saw some very strong performances across the team and will now look to get their season back on track at home to the Isle of Wight next weekend.

Millbrook 2 v Portsmouth 4 22/01/10 - Report from Rich McStraw.

Millbrook welcomed Portsmouth for the second time this season; the third time this season the two sides have met with Millbrook having won the previous encounters both at home and away

Millbrook received the kick off and D. Whinery made a good catch to create the first attacking move. A good start for Millbrook saw the majority of the play inside the Portsmouth half and Millbrook dominating the scrum, overpowering their forwards. Millbrook made a drive forward to have the ball held up over the try line. Millbrook realigned the pack on the 5m mark and with a powerful drive forward saw number 8 Gavin Pollock put the ball over the line. George Thorpe made the conversion to put Millbrook 7-0 in the first 10minutes.

After the restart sloppy play from both sides ensued, with both sides fumbling passes and making little ground. The play stayed predominantly in Portsmouth’s half and once again Millbrook dominated the scrums. George Thorpe had a little slip over into dog poo providing some entertainment for the spectators!

 Good moves from Raif and Rob Richards saw Millbrook back inside the Portsmouth 22m and a scrum on the 5m line was driven over the line again to be held up. Millbrook kept up the pressure on the scrum to pop the ball out to Danny Coffin who scored in the corner. George stepped up for a difficult conversion and missed. Millbrook 12 – 0.

An injury to Portsmouth’s hooker saw the game go to uncontested scrums which saw Portsmouth start to get back into Millbrook’s half and make some moves. A mistake by Portsmouth saw a quick free kick taken and the ball reach Matt Randell out on the left wing. After running through three or four players he reached touch and put down the third try of the game. George Thorpe converted to put Millbrook up 19-0.

Second half was pretty sloppy from both sides with the uncontested scrums seeming to have taken the wind out of Millbrook’s sail. Sloppy ply and ill-discipline saw play stick around the half way line with neither side really looking to make much of a play for the line. Millbrook enjoyed the majority of the possession and a kicking game took over. A quick break from Portsmouth saw their winger dart for the line and score, only to be disallowed for an offside around the halfway line.

Overall, a good game from Millbrook with some minor issues to sort out in anticipation of some harder league games to come.

Overton 2 v Millbrook 2 29/01/10 - Report from Rich McStraw.

A hastily arranged fixture after a cancelled merit game saw Millbrook travel to Overton once again this season. Having seen the two sides draw in the recent Merit game Millbrook were up for making their mark on the table leaders (and the promise of free beer certainly helped!)

A poor start to the game saw Millbrook on the back foot from the off. Scrappy play ensued with both sides handling the ball badly and making lots of mistakes. Both scrums were powerful and seemed evenly matched, although often Millbrook had the upper hand. Scrappy play and ill-discipline saw Millbrook take an early lead with a good penalty taken by George Thorpe. As the half went on the game went from bad to worse with missed passes, missed tackles and poor refereeing causing lots of issues. Dave Whinery took a nasty headbut from their prop and the referee did very little. This incident did nothing to calm the frustration of Millbrook who then took the game back at Overton. Good breaks from Aaron Race and Matt Randell came to little but showed signs of a more positive attitude. Another penalty went Millbrook’s way to see George Thorpe kick a second; Millbrook 6 – 0 Overton. Towards the end of the first half Overton made a good drive that ended with Millbrook on the back foot. Poor refereeing gave frustration to several players and took their eyes off the play to see Overton get their first try. Conversion missed. 6 – 5

The second half began in a similar vein to the end of the first – frustrated and sloppy. Millbrook were often on the back foot and although several good breaks were made, rarely was it capitalised on. Lineouts were the main issue with very few reaching the intended target. Overton broke through Millbrook’s defensive line time and again to see Overton’s number 8 score and their 10 to convert; 6 – 12. More of the same for the rest of the half; increasing frustration with the referee causing Millbrook to lose focus and become involved in arguments with opposing players. Mistakes were made and the second Overton try came from a lack of communication. Conversion missed to give Overton a good lead; 17 – 6. Two missed penalties from George didn’t help the situation, although both were not far off the target. Substitutions in the forwards brought on fresh legs but was too late to try and salvage the game. Two more tries from Overton came soon after each other, with one conversion attempt charged down by Chris to earn him man of the match.

Final score: Overton 2nd 22 – 6 Millbrook 2nd. A hard fought game in which Millbrook were more undone by their own poor line outs and frustration with the referee than being outplayed. That was coupled with Rob Richards attempting to punch Leon during the second half… Luckily he missed!

Millbrook 2 v Aldershot & Fleet 2 19/02/10 - Report from Rich McStraw.

The first merit league game in several weeks saw Millbrook 2nds welcome Aldershot and Fleet 2nds to Five Acres. The pitch was pretty waterlogged before play began, but after an inspection by Gavin and the grounds team the game was given the go ahead.

Muddy conditions did make the game slippery and the ball was often difficult to handle. However, Millbrook dominated the scrum and spent the majority of the first half in Aldershot’s half.  Several players playing out of their usual position made communication difficult and on too many occasions Millbrook over committed to rucks in an attempt to secure the ball. Combined with poor handling, not helped by the conditions, meant that Millbrook didn’t make the most of forward play. This lead to a few mistakes in defence and Aldershot caught a lucky break leading to a try and conversion; Aldershot 7 – 0 Millbrook.

The second half began with two debutants, the third having been made as a substitute for Luke Cambell who had injured his leg towards the end of the second half. The substitutions gave a new life to the side and Millbrook began to look dominant. A scrum on Aldershot’s 5metre line gave Millbrook a chance to drive forward and debutant Dean Searley put the ball over the line from number 8. Chris Collins stepped up to convert to pull the game level; 7 – 7

Millbrook continued on the attack and soon gained another scrum within 10 metres of the Aldershot line. A good drive saw Dean get his second of the game, Chris Collins missed the conversion; 12 – 7 to Millbrook.

The final play of the game saw Millbrook win a penalty just outside Aldershot’s 10 metre line and Chris Collins kicked for the final three points. Final score 15 -7, with a solid play from Millbrook. A few handling errors to correct, although many of them due to the slippery ball.

Millbrook 2 v Stoneham 26/02/10 - Report from Rich McStraw.

A cancelled match by Eastleigh meant that Stoneham travelled to Millbrook for a local friendly match. The pitch, after the rain in the night, was very soft but improved from the previous week.

The first half was a pretty balanced match, with both teams making good use of their strengths. Stoneham made use of a heavier and more powerful scrum to try and gain a few metres every time. Millbrook made good use of their faster and fitter players to try and outrun the opposition.This became evident as the half progressed. Stoneham took the lead early on after breaking through the defensive line after a good drive from the scrum, conversion missed to give them the lead 5-0.

Millbrook replied soon after with a held scrum to release Matt Curtis to score his debut try on the wing. Gavin Pollock, taking kicking responsibilities for the game, missed the conversion to level the game at 5-5. The rest of the half was a similar story, with Stoneham making powerful drives to break the line and make Millbrook’s defence work hard. Rayf Southern scored an excellent try from a break orchestrated by Luke Campbell. This try equalled the one scored by Stoneham making the game 10-10 by half time as all conversions were missed.

Second half told a similar story, although Millbrook’s scrum managed to hold Stoneham’s powerful drive at bay more frequently. Stoneham opened the score, to be quickly equalised from speedy Aaron Race on the left wing. Both conversions missed to hold the game at 15-15.

Millbrook, however, could not keep this pace up. Stoneham went ahead from another try having broken through from a lineout. Sam Fielder had to leave the field with an eye injury, having only just returned from a broken wrist. This meant Ryan Jones took over at number 8 and Gavin Pollock moved to Prop. Millbrook’s defence started to loose steam and Stoneham kept attacking weaker points in the line. Two tries in quick succession finished the game off to see Stoneham take the match 30-15. 

Millbrook 2 v Chinham 12/03/10 - Report from Rich McStraw.

Last time the two sides met in the merit table Millbrook had issues containing some key players in the Chineham side. Particularly their number 8 and 10 gave us huge issues and as a result the Millbrook side were well prepared for a hard fought and physical game. Having won the previous week Millbrook were in high spirits and confident of taking the game to Chineham.

However, the side which narrowly beat Millbrook in November were not quite the same as arrived at five acres. Within minutes this became apparent as Millbrook took it straight to the opposition and scored within the first five minutes, thanks to an excellent drive from Dan Coffin put Aaron Race to score the first try, Chris Collins converted. 7 -0

The first half didn’t see Chineham enter the Millbrook half except at the kick off and confident linking between forwards and backs saw try after try scored. The second half was a similar story, with Millbrook constantly on the attack. The only score by Chineham came from a missed pass, which was picked up by their centre who seemed pretty surprised to have the ball!

Stoneham v Millbrook 2 19/03/10 - Report from Rich McStraw.

A very warm day saw Millbrook 2nds travel to Wide Lane for the second meeting of the two teams this year. Three weeks ago a friendly between the two sides saw Stoneham win 30 -15, taking their victory in the final 15minutes of the match. Millbrook were apprehensive after the previous fixture and we expected a hard fought game.

The early nerves were soon settled as it became apparent Millbrook were more positive than the opposition and had brought their best game. A good link between forwards and backs saw the first try go Millbrook’s way. Chris Collins was on kicking duty once more but was not kicking at his best and missed the conversion. 5- 0.

The first half was hard in the heat and Millbrook went 10 -0 up soon after a poor lineout from Stoneham. Stoneham replied with a try to make it 10- 5. By half time Millbrook were still ahead though; 20 -12.

The second half was hard work as the heat rose and a few players were getting more tired than usual. Half time saw a rearrange of players as Luke Campbell injured himself in the first half and was replaced. However, the move of players didn’t seem to affect the consistency of the team and Millbrook continued on the attack. Stoneham put up little resistance, although their scrum was their most powerful tool in the game, twinned with a very quick full back.

Final score 17 - 42. See 2nds results page for other scorers.

Millbrook v Les Quennevais 02/03/10 - Report from Mike Randell.

Millbrook welcomed Jersey-based side Les Quennevais in the Hampshire Plate semi-final. With the side having already shown improvement in the league this year, a 3rd place finish compared to 4th last season, a semi-final win would also surpass last season as Brook lost out in last years' semi-final.

The game started poorly for Brook as an early unconverted try by Quins put the home team on the back foot. This was quickly followed by a Millbrook try which arose from a charge down by flanker Garrie Silverthorn, with the try being scored by Jordie Coffin and conversion added by Rich Colmer to put Millbrook 7-5. The visitors then forced another try with their pick-and-drive tactics and went 10-7 ahead. This remained the flavour of the half as time after time the visitors put pressure on the Millbrook line but the early lapse in the concentration had now gone. Quins lost their fly half to injury and after Millbrook captain Rich Colmer added a penalty to put the half-time scores level at 10-10.

The second half then began with a half time "rounding of the troops" leading to a swift penalty opportunity, slotted by Rich Colmer. The determined Millbrook side then played a majority of their rugby in the visitors half and the solid lineouts by the Brook forwards set up the basis for a scrum inside the Quins 22. This scrum resulted in a penalty try with Millbrook, and the slotting of the conversion by Colmer put Millbrook 20-10 up.

Quins fought to remain in the game but a further penalty added by Colmer extended the lead. Millbrook were made to defend hard but a run in from the half way line by man of the match and winger Tom Colling saw Millbrook go 28-10 up and all but seal their place in the final with minutes to play. This was the final score and Millbrook can take a high intensity, strong performance into the final after overcoming a determined unit in the form of Les Quennevais.