Petersfield Colts - League Game - Away at Gosport and Fareham

Close attention was paid to the inclement weather and at 11:30, we got the "nod" from Gosport and Fareham that their pitch was playable. We set off for Gosport in the driving rain and gusting wind. Even driving conditions were difficult.

The lads hid in the changing rooms and prepared themselves for the damp and draughty conditions.

In the past, 'Peef has been slow to start but after a short delay while the grounds team removed enough of the surface water for the referee to be happy, the game got underway. There was to be no more rain but a gusting 30 mile an hour cross wind made conditions tricky.

Gosport and Fareham had the wind on their port quarter and despite a gallant 25 minute defence, eventually they home team squeezed on through for a try. Blustery conditions prevented a conversion from the downwind side.

"The Rams" punched back hard with ffinch-Mitchell skirting the opposition and grounding the ball under the posts leaving a slightly less tricky conversion for Spencer.

The first half ended 5-7 in Petersfield's favour.

So, on with the second half... Spinnakers set on port gybe broad-reaching to the business corner of the pitch before heaving to on 47 minutes for ffinch-Mitchell's second try on 47 minutes. Again, ably converted by Spencer.

A penalty awarded seemed to be sailing clear through the posts before the wind dragged the ball onto the upright

There was no question about "holding on" for the win by Petersfield or any desire from Gosport and Fareham to let them do that. The game was hard fought right to the end.

Gosport and Fareham has always been something of a nemesis for the junior colts and, after a long 5 year gap, the lads got that elusive win. There was no luck in this and the win was earned by some massive plays throughout the game.

I apologise for the sailing analogies but those were probably the best way to describe the conditions.

Well done lads - a hard fought and well deserved win against very worthy opponents.