3s Rally to Overcome Costly Opening Quarter

With the 1st XV playing their own friendly at Winchester, the Petersfield club showed something of a resurgence this weekend with all three senior teams in action; indeed, the 3rd XV’s fixture was notable for the return of a number of former players and the addition of a handful of new arrivals.

The opening exchanges between the sides suggested strongly that Chobham would be much to strong for their hosts, most of the action and all of the scores took place at Field’s end of the pitch. However, as the half progressed Field began to find their feet and, with half and hour gone, Ryan Morse broke free on a surging run from the Chobham 10m line, outpacing the defence to score on the right-hand side.

Although they remained behind Chobham throughout the match, any thoughts that this might be a single consolation score was soon dispelled by another try, this time from returning ex-Colt, Ray Farr, and then three more – one of which was converted.

All-in-all it was a great run-out for the team and showed the potential that exists in the group. The experience should stand the side in good stead as it continues to pursue its own league ambitions, whilst providing enjoyable and entertaining rugby. Testament to the club ethos was the age ranges and abilities, ranging from the likes of Jon Walker and Gerry Devlin, both of whom are old enough to know better, and young Charlie Parish who was playing his first ever game of rugby at the tender age of 18 and acquitted himself admirably with some pacey runs and brave tackling.

Meanwhile, with their fixture cancelled, due the withdrawal of Solent University from the league, the 1st XV travelled to Winchester to play their 2nd XV. Unfortunately for Field, the hosts 1st XV were also without a game and so the opportunity for a training run out became something of a battle for survival as the team were required to deal with a much more powerful opposition than expected. Nonetheless, lessons can be learned from any situation, the key one in this case being – don’t go to Winchester when their 1st XV are unoccupied.

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