Romsey reap reward from summer of hard work (From Daily Echo)

Romsey reap reward from summer of hard work

9:00am Tuesday 18th September 2012 in Sport By Clive Downton

A summer of hard training has already paid off for Romsey , who gave one of Hampshire 1’s promotion contenders a shock at the weekend.

Romsey have struggled to keep a tag on the leading sides in recent seasons but defeated Fordingbridge – last term’s runners-up – 26-19.

Home side Romsey measured their success by looking back at last season’s corresponding fixture, which they lost 58-5.

Romsey centre Mark Stent was the only player to cross the line in the first half – he also slotted two penalties against three from Bridge’s Mat Norton for an 11-9 half-time lead.

Winger Phil Sleath increased Romsey’s lead before an interception try from Fordingbridge’s Mark Hammond, which was converted, to put the visitors three points ahead.

Sleath got his second score in the corner in the nailbiting clash which was settled when fullback Andy Stewart touched down after a great backs’ move.

Romsey coach Peter White said: “I think our aggressive defence caught them off guard and they did not recover.

“We want to keep our feet on the ground and take this one game at a time, this league can always turn around and bite you.”

 

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