Guildford Show Character in Spirited Display Against Havant II - Match report, 4th October 2025

Guildford 14 – 29 Havant II

4th October 2025

Guildford Show Character in Spirited Display Against Havant II

Team: 1 Paddy Wood, 2 Coby Coy, 3 Jacob Jones, 4 Alex Burrill (C), 5 Matt Naeem, 6 Henry Cole* 7 Josh Jones, 8 Josh Smith, 9 Liam Driscoll, 10 Joe Gwyther, 11 Charlie Adams, 12 Tom Devereaux, 13 Louis Bounds, 14 Solomon Poole, 15 Will Craven

Replacements: 16 Ross Brooker, 17 Lochy Ellis-Jones, 18 Harvey Kwan

(*Debut)

Scorers:

Tries: Brooker, Cole

Cons: Gwyther (2)

Pens:

Player Of the Match (POTM): Josh Smith

The day after Storm Amy swept across the south-east, Broadwater Park stood firm and in fine condition, the pitch looking reasonably good despite the blustery conditions.  A strong wind swirled around the ground, but thankfully the rain held off for Guildford’s latest league encounter.  With the London leagues now accommodating clubs’ second teams, Havant II have been climbing steadily through the ranks and arrived at Broadwater just three levels below their first XV.

Guildford, meanwhile, made no fewer than eleven changes from their last outing at Petersfield a fortnight ago.  Henry Cole made his debut at blindside flanker, while there was a particularly welcome sight on the bench — the return of Ross Brooker to first-team action after a ten-year absence.  By the end of the day, he would become the 31st player to represent the 1st XV this season.

The familiar half-back pairing of Liam Driscoll and Joe Gwyther was restored, while Matt Naeem returned after a serious injury lay-off.  The backline also saw fresh energy with Will Craven slotting in at fullback and Charlie Adams on the wing, while Lochy Ellis-Jones moved to the bench.  Tom Devereaux returned to inside centre, completing a much-changed but determined side.

Guildford kicked off towards Broadwater School, into the teeth of the wind, and immediately looked sharp.  The pack carried strongly through Josh Smith and captain Alex Burrill, both heavily involved in the opening exchanges.  Cole looked comfortable in his debut outing, performing well at the lineout.

Despite dominating territory and possession, Guildford were frustrated by a resolute Havant defence.  Several promising attacks came close to breaking the line, only for the visitors to hold firm.  Against the run of play, a stray pass was intercepted, and Havant raced the length of the field to score a converted try.  After 15 minutes, it was 0–7.

An early injury to Paddy Wood brought Brooker into action sooner than expected, but the veteran forward wasted no time making his presence felt, adding steel to the forward effort. Guildford continued to press, and Josh Smith almost crossed in the corner before being forced into touch.  The home side kept up the pressure, and eventually their persistence paid off.  A powerful maul rumbled over the line, and fittingly, it was Brooker who grounded the ball for a fairytale score on his return.  Gwyther’s conversion brought the sides level at half-time, 7–7.

Half-time: 7–7

Playing down the slope and with the wind in their favour, Guildford began the second half brightly.  An injury to Coby Coy saw Devereaux move into the pack — an unusual switch from centre to hooker that he took in his stride.  As one wag on the touchline remarked, it usually takes fifteen years to make that transition, but Devereaux managed it in forty minutes!

The enforced reshuffle allowed Havant to regain a foothold, and seven minutes after the restart they went over for an unconverted try to lead 7–12.  Guildford, however, were far from finished. The forwards upped the tempo, pinning Havant deep in their own half and forcing a series of penalties.  From one such attack, the visitors were reduced to 14 men for bringing down a maul illegally, and moments later another infringement saw them down to 13.

Guildford took full advantage.  After another spell of pressure, debutant Henry Cole marked his first appearance with a well-taken try out wide.  Gwyther judged the testing wind perfectly to slot the conversion, nudging Guildford ahead 14–12 with 27 minutes remaining.  Unfortunately, that was as good as it got for the hosts.  Despite their numerical disadvantage, Havant fought back, earning a penalty in front of the posts to reclaim the lead 14–15 with 12 minutes to go.

Moments later, a high tackle saw Guildford’s Solomon Poole shown a yellow card, leaving the home side down to 14 men as Havant returned to full strength. With the momentum shifting, the visitors ran in two quick converted tries in the final minutes to seal a 14–29 victory.

Full-time: 14–29

Guildford will rue a few missed chances and lapses in decision-making but can take heart from a committed, spirited performance that showcased the squad’s depth and determination.  With a good week’s training, the return of a few regulars, and some continuity in selection, this side has all the makings of a team capable of turning these close contests into wins.

Next weekend, Guildford travel to the New Forest to face new opponents Ellingham and Ringwood, where they’ll be eager to produce the convincing performance, their effort deserves. Kick-off is at 3pm, and supporters, as ever, are warmly encouraged to make the trip.

Upcoming 1st XV fixtures in October

11/10/2025

Ellingham & Ringwood (A)

18/10/2025

Tottonians (H)

25/10/2025

Winchester (A)

Why not book in for the pre-match lunch on Saturday 18th October?  Our new caterers are getting rave reviews!!  All details, including menu and how to book can be found on the website at this link:  Book here for the pre-match lunch

Mike Burden

Return to News Page

Created by intelligentgolf version 10.1.2.
CONGU® is Copyright 2025 Council of National Golf Unions.