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BackSat 08 Feb 2025 ·  National League 2 East.png&h=60&w=60)
1st XVHavant
Tries: W Holling (2), D Tout, H Packman, B Mutch, S Evans, M DuaibeConversions: J Tusler, C LloydYellow Carded: J Whitmarsh
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16
Muddy Marvels
Adam Hookway9 Feb - 09:18
Havant made TJs work hard for another maximum points win but TJs power and cutting edge saw them through again
It was a damp and muddy Slade on Saturday and not the day for a thrilling game of rugby it seemed. But both TJs and Havant left everything out there in a cracking game with TJs pulling away in the final quarter to secure another maximum points haul.
Havant enjoyed the brighter of starts but the TJ defence was resolute and restricted them to three first half penalties. It could have been more but the two try scoring chances, created through speculative klicks through were both thwarted by the scrambling TJs who managed to get the final touch before the Havant attackers could take advantage.
Up the other end of the field, when TJs managed to get there, they were accurate with their lineout play to drive Will Holling over after 16 and 20 minutes to give TJs a 10-6 lead. Jack Whitmarsh, playing his 150th game for TJs, grabbed himself an yellow card to celebrate and Havant closed to 10-9.
Havant decided to join him on the naughty seat and Duncan Tout forced his way over with three defenders hanging on grimly and Josh Tusler added the extras to send TJs in to the break 17-9 to the good.
A second yellow for Havant at the start of the second half left a bit more space for TJs and Howard Packman was the first to benefit to extend the lead to 22-9. But Havant hit back with a converted try to narrow to 22-16 and whilst TJs continued to look secure the points had dried up as the pitch got muddier.
Another drive though got things going again as Ben Mutch ploughed over and as TJs made changes in the final quarter first Sam Evans danced his way over before Macu Nabogi, who had a storming game in the second row, sealed the deal with a mud slide after supporting Evans on the break. Connor LLoyd added the extras and TJs secured their 16th win of the season and 15th try bonus point result.
A very rewarding performance from TJs where they again showed their ability to play a full 80 minutes even in taxing conditions. No let off after the fourth try and it's clear to see that everyone is on the same game-page which sets TJs up well for their trip to Canterbury next Saturday and a 3pm KO
Havant enjoyed the brighter of starts but the TJ defence was resolute and restricted them to three first half penalties. It could have been more but the two try scoring chances, created through speculative klicks through were both thwarted by the scrambling TJs who managed to get the final touch before the Havant attackers could take advantage.
Up the other end of the field, when TJs managed to get there, they were accurate with their lineout play to drive Will Holling over after 16 and 20 minutes to give TJs a 10-6 lead. Jack Whitmarsh, playing his 150th game for TJs, grabbed himself an yellow card to celebrate and Havant closed to 10-9.
Havant decided to join him on the naughty seat and Duncan Tout forced his way over with three defenders hanging on grimly and Josh Tusler added the extras to send TJs in to the break 17-9 to the good.
A second yellow for Havant at the start of the second half left a bit more space for TJs and Howard Packman was the first to benefit to extend the lead to 22-9. But Havant hit back with a converted try to narrow to 22-16 and whilst TJs continued to look secure the points had dried up as the pitch got muddier.
Another drive though got things going again as Ben Mutch ploughed over and as TJs made changes in the final quarter first Sam Evans danced his way over before Macu Nabogi, who had a storming game in the second row, sealed the deal with a mud slide after supporting Evans on the break. Connor LLoyd added the extras and TJs secured their 16th win of the season and 15th try bonus point result.
A very rewarding performance from TJs where they again showed their ability to play a full 80 minutes even in taxing conditions. No let off after the fourth try and it's clear to see that everyone is on the same game-page which sets TJs up well for their trip to Canterbury next Saturday and a 3pm KO
Further reading