WINCHESTER 32 – 41 TOTTONIANS
Winchester returned to Nuns Road in improved weather for a hard-fought local derby against old rivals Tottonians. An entertaining contest swung between the two sides before a commanding second-half helped Totts secure a 32–41 victory, writes Anna Russell.
The afternoon began with a women’s friendly, with Totts’ newly formed touch team turning out in force. Winchester’s more experienced side displayed flair and organisation, but both teams offered enjoyable rugby for the pre-lunch spectators. Another sell-out lunch followed, raising funds for Winchester’s thriving girls’ rugby section.
The men’s teams launched into their game with attacking intent. Totts struck first after kicking a penalty to touch. From the resulting lineout, their forwards drove a powerful maul from the 22-metre line to the try line, where hooker and captain Liam Murphy touched down. The conversion was missed.
Winchester responded promptly, with fly-half and captain Tom Fieldsend landing a well-taken penalty. The pace remained relentless, however, and missed tackles allowed Totts full-back Ben Griffin to break through for a try, which he converted.
Undeterred, Winchester used a penalty to establish an attacking lineout. Their pressure brought a close-range try for scrum-half Josh Burson, with Fieldsend adding the extras. Further offside infringements gave Fieldsend another opportunity from the tee, and Winchester edged ahead.
Totts answered through their backs, combining a penetrating run with quick possession at the rucks to send Griffin over for his second try. Winchester nevertheless had the final say before the interval. A penalty for a wheeled scrum led to a lineout and driving maul, with prop and vice-captain Ben Turner finishing. Fieldsend’s conversion put the hosts 20–17 ahead at half-time.
Totts emerged reinvigorated after the break. With Winchester’s scrum under pressure, number eight Nic Jansen picked up and drove over for an unconverted try to restore the visitors’ lead.
The visiting forwards then took control. Tries from Corey Leumaga, Murphy and Connor Andrews, together with two Harry Osman conversions, stretched the advantage to 20–41.
Winchester refused to surrender. Fieldsend’s cross-field kick found winger Will Taylor for an unconverted try, before the captain broke through the centre to pass off to flanker Connor Furey for a final score. Fieldsend converted to complete the scoring.
“We never like losing, and this certainly feels like one that got away. I thought the boys were outstanding in the first 40 minutes and the final 20, but unfortunately we let ourselves down in between. That said, this squad is making rapid progress, and we’ve come a long way since the start of the season. There’s plenty to be proud of and even more to look forward to.”
The four-try bonus point offered consolation for mid-table Winchester, who had threatened more before Totts’ decisive surge. A welcome week off now precedes their next fixture, away to Havant’s second team.
