PSNI Rugby Tour to Portsmouth and Isle of Wight

"On the 15th of May 2025 the PSNI faced off against Hampshire Constabulary at Gosport and Fareham RFC.

The first match of the tour to Portsmouth and Isle of Wight saw the PSNI take the field in an inter services match against a determined Hampshire Constabulary squad. The match was in aid of the charity PTSD999.

The PSNI opened the scoring through Matthew Duffy with an excellent finish under pressure in the corner. Matthew Duffy was involved again nearly instantly, tracking back fifty meters to make a crucial covering tackle and provide a turnover for PSNI. Following this the PSNI began to shift through the gears scoring some beautifully worked tries in both the forwards and backs.

Alan Sinnamon whose distribution and reading of the game has been invaluable to the team assisted Kieran Gleeson in scoring the first of his two tries from outside centre. Alan’s contribution at flyhalf cannot be understated. Andrew Spence got on the end of a brilliant pass from Chris Fleming, slicing the defence open and touching down under the posts. Nathan Patterson the PSNI fullback had plenty to do this match, numerous covering tackles and a good read of the game ensured that the chip kicks, routinely used throughout the match by the Hampshire team were fielded expertly and he was rewarded with a well taken try! It should be noted that PSNI Captain Matt Hill, normally a back row forward had to stand in for a short 3 minute period at out half and managed to score a great individual try in the corner. Captain Matt Hill was involved again shortly after when he and inside centre Ryan Stewart linked up from inside the PSNI 22 to score a full pitch try between them. Thankfully Ryan’s hamstrings held up long enough to finish in the corner.

It wouldn’t be a PSNI rugby tour without a dummy pass from miracle man David Kenwell or the forever young Paul Jeffrey and neither man disappointed this time round with outrageous show and go’s from both men inside the Hampshire 22 one of which set up a PSNI try. Not to be outdone by David and Paul, Jason McMullen and Davey Neill rolled back the years and showed that the rugby never really leaves you with some big hits and sublime support play! Well done gentlemen superb effort and a pleasure to play the game with you! Ross Scott and Gavin Warrington, two players who have had a huge impact at the club since joining showed Hampshire Police why they are so valued. Whether it’s Gavin’s, rucking, tackling and relentless ball carrying or Ross’ punching holes in the Hampshire defensive line. In the second half, Ross again made a line break and at the third time of asking Gareth Craig was finally rewarded for running support line after support line when Ross found him on his right in the Hampshire 22. Gareth touched down under the posts. A just reward for the ground he covered during the game. 

The strength and depth of the squad brought on tour showed that regardless of changes made the performance never dipped. When Matthew Duffy was replaced by Young Luke Thompson on the wing it was seamless, Luke showed his clear athletic ability with crunching tackles and outright manhandling of opposition players wherever and whenever he got the chance. The same can also be said following the introduction of the one and only Stevie “Jacko” Jackson for Ryan Stewart. Sliding into the back line and making huge hits and carrying the ball with aggression and speed. Stevie Welsh had a bruising introduction to the game, involved in a huge collision within seconds of coming on in the second half. Rather than take it lying down Stevie decided to shake it off and dislocate two fingers instead. Ever the warrior he simply taped them up and played on. Much to the amusement of Gavin Warrington. Ryan McCarroll then scored from just inside the Hampshire half with a fantastic snaking solo run.

A supreme defensive effort from the pack marshalled by the ever present and irrepressible Chris Fleming in the last 10 minutes meant that the PSNI kept Hampshire from crossing their line at any point in the match. A resounding 54-0 victory for the PSNI and a great start to the tour.

Following the match, presentations were made by both club Captains. A raffle and auction was then held in aid of the Charity PTSD999. The PSNI team generously rallied together to buy a bottle of “Gin Blue Line” being auctioned. £100 was raised for the bottle much to the delight of PTSD Charity.

All in all a fantastic match and very successful event. All the members of the PSNI team express their gratitude for the hospitality and kinship shown by the Hampshire Constabulary, they will always be welcomed at Newforge.

The second match of the tour saw a weathered and sore PSNI team take a ferry to the Isle of Wight on the 17th of May 2025 to take on the Isle of Wight “Rangers” RFC.

This match was a step up in intensity and was extremely close in the opening twenty minutes. Tries from Kieran Gleeson and Matthew Duffy were cancelled out by two well taken Isle of Wight tries.

It took the PSNI a little longer to shift through the gears in this match however superior fitness and strength eventually won the day. Four men stood up and were counted in this game. First and foremost Sean Dalton who carried the ball relentlessly in the second half. Also Michael Stevenson, Sam Bridge and Chris Fleming. Hats off to these men, controlled aggression and tries from the forwards and game management from Chris Fleming led to the PSNI dominating in the scrums and in the tackle which ultimately won the day for the PSNI. Following a close first half the PSNI ran away with the match in the second half with a final score of 40-19. With scores from Michael “Woogy” Stevenson, Sam Bridge, Ryan McCarroll and Gareth Craig eventually putting a resilient Isle of Wight team to the canvas.

It should be noted that Joel McGuicken, put in an inspirational defensive performance and at one stage in the second half, isolated on the wing with a man twice his size baring down on him, Joel put in a fantastic hit. Forcing a turnover and returning possession to the PSNI. A superb effort from the young man! 

It should also be noted that Captain Matt Hill hit a touchline conversion and Coach Stevie Welsh a drop goal conversion, showing the wide range of talent the men possess! 

Special mention for this match goes to tour top scorer and man of the match Kieran Gleeson for an excellent performance all round.

Following the match, presentations were made by both club Captains. All the members of the PSNI team express their gratitude for the hospitality and kinship shown by the Isle of Wight RFC, they too will always be welcomed at Newforge.

The victory at Isle of Wight RFC meant the PSNI ended the tour with two resounding wins. A huge thanks to Vice Captain Sam Bridge for organising what many have described as maybe the best PSNI tour in recent memory." 

Harp and Crown Credit Union are the Principal Sponsor of PSNI RFC.

The Harp and Crown Credit Union provides safe, secure, flexible finances for the wider police family in Northern Ireland.