27/09/2026
Match Report
After a fairly promising pre-season we’re US competed well with Bognor 1s 2 leagues up for 60 mins a good win over Wimborne 2s and closely fought loss with league above Bournemouth 2s the red and blues had a tough day at the office away to New Milton for the first league game .
Multiple injuries and some unavailability took its toll. Skipper Moore and vice captain Lilley both withdrew in the week with injuries.
So a side with 9 debutants took to the field in bright sunshine on a very hard pitch.
Early signs were promising with the lineout going well and Captain for the day Turnbull dominating scrum time. Early pressure led to penalties and US decided against the easy 3 points to kick to the corner but unfortunately it went dead. This signalled a lift from New Milton who now started to fight their way into the game and with 20 gone forced their way over - Milton were using their big forwards round the Corner to punch holes US tackling was mixed with only really Reade , Banivanua & Barnes able to stop the home side in their tracks. Gaps were appearing and New Milton scored 2 more tries to lead 17-0 at HT
On field injuries were now leading to multiple changes and disruption and whilst US created opportunities they could not retain possession to maintain the phases , Reade at 8 had an outstanding game both in attack and defence winning at least 4 turnovers but he was fighting a lone hard battle. Ed Tomlin chased and tackled everything but had to go onto the wing such were the injuries.
New Milton are a tough and very physical side who are well organised and they did not relent scoring 4 more tries in the second half to finish 39-0 victors.
MoM
Ed Reade - carried , tackled & jackaled
Runners up
Ed Tomlin - never gave up and chased everything
Ryan Ray - great to see the big man back looked dangerous and cover tackled well.
Photos by: Tristan Jones
