Hampshire Bowl glory is the goal
Portsmouth eyeing cup final spot for third year running
Neil McRoberts insists Portsmouth are in it to win it as they visit Andover for a Hampshire Bowl semi-final tie.
The head coach views it as the last realistic chance his side have of success this season.
Portsmouth's faint chance of promotion from London Three South West was virtually ended by their defeat at Old Tiffinians last weekend.
But the city club can salvage some pride by regaining their Hampshire Bowl title.
They are bidding for a third successive final having won it two seasons ago before losing to Eastleigh in last year’s final.
‘This is a competition that we are taking very seriously,’ said McRoberts
‘It is our last chance of silverware.
‘If we can get past Andover then it will be anyone's game, but to do that we have to play well.
‘We have already had two very tight games against them in the league.
‘Andover are a very well organised outfit and include a couple of the Hampshire county players in their pack.
‘Once again, we will have to front up to them if we are to provide ourselves with a winning platform.
‘At the same time, we must not allow ourselves to get dragged into playing their style of rugby.
‘We can't afford to get dragged into an arm wrestle with them.
‘The weather looks good and should provide dry conditions.
‘That should suit us with our mobile pack and pacy three quarters.’ Portsmouth make a number of changes from the team that lost at Old Tiffinians. Captain Daz Leggott is ruled out for at least six weeks due to a dislocated ankle. In the front row, Will Rolfe is set for his first start since arriving from US Portsmouth replacing Dan Sergeant who has returned to Worthing. There are two other debutants - Bryn Rainford in the
Portsmouth are without injured captain Daz Leggott for six weeks back-row and Ben Jeacock in the centre.
‘The key in cup rugby is to keep the scoreboard ticking over,’ added McRoberts.
‘If it is dry we will look to play our more expansive game.
‘In the absence of our captain, we must look to the other senior players to take charge.’
Portsmouth are seeking their third win over Andover this season.