Petersfield Colts at Churcher's Festival

Leaving behind a tough ‘22-’23 season, last year's remaining colts were joined by the mighty U16 squad. After a couple of weeks of getting to know each other, training started in earnest for the coming season.

We quickly worked out strengths, weaknesses, tempers etc and set about using these traits to the lads' advantage.

The 'Peef boys' first matches were as part of the Churcher's College Colts Festival. This included the following schools - Churcher's, Pangbourne, Canford, Portsmouth Grammar, Ryde and also Petersfield Rugby Club. Many thanks to Churcher's for the invitation. The squad numbered 26, so there was plenty of work for the two coaches, Ed and Vicky, to do to make sure everyone played as much rugby as possible.

Each game was to be just 20 minutes and there was to be no kicking for goal due to the short matches.

Not really knowing what to expect and knowing the strength of the Hampshire Schools set up, the colts lined up to face their first opposition, PGS. Petersfield came on strong from the off with some excellent attacking play, some accurate kicking and some very "enthusiastic" commentary. The defence was broken just once by PGS who went on to score the only try of the match.

Next came Ryde School. Despite some punishing attacks, both sides managed to defend to finish the game with no tries scored by either side.

It seemed inevitable that Petersfield Colts would score. The mindset was right and the quality and talent was starting to become a bit more "joined-up" as they grew in confidence in their first competitive match as a squad. Despite this threat, Pangbourne managed to hold off for another scoreless game. The elusive try had to come soon!!

Canford seemed to be an unlikely avenue for Petersfield's first win of the day, especially following Canford’s victory over the hosts earlier in the day. Nevertheless, a wonderful bit of awareness, a favourable bounce but mainly sheer pace gave Waller his maiden try for the colts.

One more to go - Churcher's themselves... Being a Petersfield school, there were a few quality, current and ex-PRFC players on the Churcher's team. Petersfield spent a lot of time in the host's 22 but just couldn't get the ball over the line. The match ended with no tries.

The score-lines really underline the defensive abilities of all the teams on the day. There is plenty for the Petersfield Colts to work on but only little things. The flair, passion, skill, teamwork and ability were all there in droves. Just to get those final little bits in place to take this squad back to its cup winning glory.

Well done lads and thanks to all the coaches.