But with a bit of luck a they could well have equalised having fought back from 2-0 down at half time.
It was a huge improvement from the previous day’s show when they lost 5-0 to Vale of White Horse.
Coach Tony Hoyland said: ‘Everyone we spoke too said Portsmouth would be our hardest game and our lads rose to the occasion with a very good performance.
‘Unfortunately we had to play on a full-size pitch with full-size goals because our scheduled pitch was waterlogged.
It was horrendous conditions too, it rained throughout and it was extremely muddy.
‘Our lads were magnificent.
They matched Portsmouth in the tackles and run for run.
They were tireless for the full 50 minutes.
‘We rallied in the second half and were probably the stronger team and after Oliver Terry pulled a goal back from Adam Trotter’s cross we had further chances to equalise but unfortunately did not take them.
‘The tour has again been worthwhile.
We keep telling the players that the scores don’t matter it’s what they learn and the experience they gain.
‘I’m sure everyone has learned, especially when it comes to seeing how hard the English lads tackle!’ Hoyland was assisted by fellow coaches Mark De Luca and Rob Cameron.
Jersey: Mathew Kaye (La Moye), Liam Valois (St Saviour), Glen Horman (De La Salle), Dominic Blampied (Springfield), Max Vasiliou (V College Prep), George Poole (St Peter), Oliver Terry (VCP), Adam Trotter (D’Auvergne), Stephen Byrne (Rouge Bouillon), Jay Giles (Janvrin), Josh Evans (St Peter), Connor O’Shea (Samarès), Kendal Perée (St John) and Joe Kirschbaumer (VCP).
