As Storm Eowyn leaves, the weekend approaches, and the Six Nations kicks off. But more importantly, Petersfield have the chance to host some rugby at Penns Place once again!

After a commanding win against Andover last weekend, the team will be hoping to ride this wave of momentum against a team that narrowly beat them last time around—Chobham. Despite their earlier victory this season, Chobham currently sit in 7th place in the league standings, two places and four points behind Field. The previous fixture, a 29-24 loss, will not have been forgotten by the coaching staff, who will be intent on cracking into the formidable top four currently dominated by Farnham, Bournemouth, Tottonians, and Winchester.

Much like Petersfield, Chobham picked up five valuable points last weekend with an impressive 43-17 win over North Dorset. With just under an hour’s journey to Penns Place, the Surrey team, who sport red and yellow stripes, will be looking to overtake Petersfield in the league rankings.

In only their maiden season in Regional 2 South Central, the boys in red and green are already making a name for themselves. Their swift backline and dominant pack have turned heads and shoulders alike. The team have been working tirelessly to improve their defence, driven by the 436 points conceded this season—a key motivator.

The front row this weekend sees just one change, as Sam Brown rotates into the familiar position of hooker, joining Jackson Clark and Dan Sargent in the loosehead and tighthead slots. Oli Hunt retains his shirt in the second row, this time joined by Liam Perkins, who makes his first start of the year in this position, stepping away from his usual number 8 duties.

The back row sees a terrifying union in Jack Janaway, Karter Whittock, and Matt Momber. Janaway and Whittock have forged an astounding tackling partnership this season and will be looking to continue their dominance. Joe Knowles continues his run at scrum-half, pairing with the playmaking style of Nick Blumlein at fly-half.
In the centres, there’s a slight reshuffle as DoR Matt McLean shifts to the 12 shirt, freeing up George Davis to slot into the outside centre position. Both players will be aiming to increase their try tally this weekend. Sam Dawes keeps his place on the left wing, while Eddie Matthews, after an unexpected but triumphant 1st XV outing last weekend with a hat-trick, returns to the starting line-up. Brad Caparo completes the line-up at fullback but remains versatile, ready to switch to 9 or 10 if required.

On the bench, a great combination of youth and experience awaits, featuring three academy graduates. Harley Orr provides front-row cover, Franko Tomic covers both the second and back row, and Ethan Horsfall offers a deadly level of backline depth.

1st XV Side To Face Chobham RFC:

1. Jackson Clark
2. Sam Brown
3. Dan Sargent
4. Oli Hunt
5. Liam Perkins
6. Jack Janaway
7. Karter Whittock
8. Matt Momber
9. Joe Knowles
10. Nick Blumlien
11. Sam Dawes
12. Matt McLean
13. George Davis
14. Eddie Mathews
15. Brad Caparo
16. Harley Orr
17. Franko Tomic
18. Ethan Horsfall

On Pitch 2, the 2nd XV welcome United Services Portsmouth this weekend, increasing the rugby output at Penns Place. It has been a difficult season for the group so far, but after a close scoreline against the league leaders last weekend, the boys will be backing themselves to bring some much-needed points their way.

2nd XV Side To Face US Portsmouth:

1. Johno Pemberton
2. Josh Stephens
3. Eryn Eales
4. Ryan Morse
5. James Barden
6. Chase Thomas
7. Nic Wilde
8. Alex Robinson
9. Oscar Horsfall
10. Archie Whitear
11. Gerry Devlin
12. Ben Thomas
13. Toby Booth
14. Dean D
15. Jasper Campbell
16. Mark Butcher
17. Jamie Williams
18. Carl Sharrock

We look forward to welcoming you all for the first home game of 2025, Up The Rams!