US Portsmouth off to a winning start
United Services Portsmouth won its first league game of the season against local rivals Southampton. This was an encouraging start to the season as US Portsmouth lost both its matches against Southampton last year.
Training sessions on Tue and Thu evenings are well attended and a host of new players are turning up every week. These new players are helping US Portsmouth to increase the quality and depth of its squad and it is good to see an increase in players from the RN. Prop Jonah Jones, front row Mark ‘Taff' Jones, 2nd Row ‘Sid' Little, Kiwi born Navy Diver Simon Jones (utility backrow/midfield player) and RN Rugby league regular James ‘Waggy' Wagstaffe have all joined this season. US has also welcomed back Lt Atunaisa ‘Vinnie' Vuniwaqa and the majestic Asaeli ‘Ace' Lutu.
Other summer recruits include the Hill Brothers (Simon & Michael) as well as new front row signings in the form of Chris Cook (from Havant RFC) and Tom Back who is a University of Portsmouth prop.
But like all rugby clubs, US Portsmouth is looking to attract more players to the club. The coaching team is working well together under the guidance of ex-Leicester player Neil McRoberts, with RN U23s Coaches CPOPT Clayton Patilla and PO Neil Evans and forwards coach CPOJulian Shelock Holmes.
CPO Lee ‘Wiggy' Bennett is now the first team manager and CPO Sid Street continues to be a good example of how the more experienced US Pompey players give something back, ensuring that good quality and fun training sessions equal success on the Park.
For more information go to www.usportsmouthrfc.co.uk