09/12/08
This match turned out to be a slightly unusual fixture for a mid week league game, the veteran Tchoukball players of the Pompey Rhinos team taking on the new comers U.o.P. (University of Portsmouth). Even before the two sides line up at the Portsmouth High School for Girls in Southsea, it was clear that the U.o.P. had brought something that we haven't seen in a South Coast Tchoukball match for quite some time - a very large squad! U.o.P was so keen to play that they had enough players to field a second squad to challenge the Rhino's. Not to miss out on the opportunity, the challenge was accepted, and the fixture was re-arranged into two games.
Game One
The game started with a confident looking Rhinos passing the ball around the court, but U.o.P were the first to get off the starting blocks and took the early lead. They managed to go 4 points into the lead before the Rhinos could claim their first point. U.o.P were playing with lots of energy and enthusiasm, but the Rhino's collected themselves and started to play a long ball game which saw the score lines levelled. U.o.P. were looking good and were covering all the areas of the court, but the experience of the Rhino's started to show as they took control of the game, they finished the first half of the game by taking the lead.
The second half saw a change in tactics from both teams. U.o.P was waiting for the long ball before committing themselves, and the Rhinos started to use their defenders for a 3 man switch. This resulted in some impressive turn overs from both teams. U.o.P was showing a lot of determination, but the Rhinos were in control to take the game.
Game Two
The second U.o.P squad came onto the court with the same determination and energy that was seen by the first squad. Unfortunately for them, they had the disadvantage of starting the game from scratch, whereas the Rhinos were continuing the pace they had set for themselves in the first game. However, after a slightly shaky start, they were up and playing and with their first point U.o.P settled in for the game. Again, the newcomers were covering all areas of the court and it was hard to believe that this team had only picked up the game 6 weeks ago. Sadly, their hard work rate was not rewarded and Rhino's ended the first half with the advantage.
The second half saw Chris Westwood and Jamie Warner making tactical changes to the U.o.P Team, and as a result they were a better defensive squad. U.o.P was still determined and working hard, but the Rhinos had the momentum they wanted and were taking control of this second game. The ball was being passed around the court and neither team could afford to remain static. The tempo of the game was good and any spectator would have enjoyed watching this game. However, as in all sports there was a victor. Despite all the efforts we saw from the U.o.P's second squad, Rhinos were always in front to earn them the overall winners from the two games.
As stated earlier it was very hard to believe that U.o.P had only picked up the sport at the beginning of October this year. Both of their squads played as a team and each player knew what they had to do. Although, they were beaten by a strong team like the Rhinos (but then again who hasn't) they did make it a good game of Tchoukball. It will not be long before their work rate will pay off and see them winning matches.
