Fresh off a hard-fought victory over Guildford last Saturday at Penns Place, Petersfield RFC will be aiming for their first win of the season against a top-four opponent as they travel to face Winchester RFC at North Walls Park this weekend. With both teams sitting high in the table, this encounter promises to be a crucial clash in the battle for league positioning.

Petersfield will be buoyed by their narrow win over Guildford, a performance which demonstrated their grit and determination. Had it not been for two late tries from Guildford, the final score would have been a much more comfortable reflection of Petersfield's dominance throughout the match. Despite the slim margin, the result showcased the strength of the squad, and they will be looking to build on that momentum in what is expected to be a tougher challenge against Winchester. A win would not only bring them closer to their top-four rivals but also keep their hopes of keeping A 5th placed league position alive as the season comes to an end.

Winchester RFC, founded in 1929, have been a force to be reckoned with in recent years, and they boast impressive facilities at North Walls Park. After a turbulent spell in the 90s, they’ve found stability and success, rising from Hampshire 1 to London Division 1 in just four years, a feat that cemented their place in the league’s top tiers. The arrival of Petersfield will no doubt be met with confidence from the home side, who have managed to keep themselves firmly in the top four for much of the season.

For Petersfield, key players will be looking to make their mark. Jackson Clark, who played a pivotal role in the win over Guildford, will be crucial again, bringing his hard-running, ball-carrying ability to the fore. Clark’s success last weekend was instrumental in the pack’s dominance, with the front eight securing an impressive 85.1% scrum success rate and winning 60% of turnovers in the scrum. Alongside him, Dan Sargent continues to shine, with his tally of 19 tries for the season just one shy of a bet with local farmer Dan Luff — a prize cow for the prolific prop. Meanwhile, Joe Knowles will be pivotal in distribution, having made 67 successful passes last weekend, consistently directing play and launching the team into attack with his sharp box kicks averaging 23 metres.

Another name to watch is Eddie Mathews, who has been in sensational form, bagging four tries in his last two outings for Petersfield and maintaining a flawless 100% tackle success rate. His defensive work and try-scoring prowess will be key as we seek to capitalise on any openings presented by their hosts.

On the bench, Petersfield welcomes back George Davis, returning from the University of Exeter. Davis had an outstanding season in 2023/24, scoring 18 tries in 19 appearances for his university side, making him a welcome addition to the squad. There is also excitement around the debut of talented Under 18 back Tommy Spencer, who impressed during last weekend’s big win over Winchester Academy. His inclusion in the matchday squad is a nod to the promising young talent coming through at Petersfield.

Team to Face Winchester RFC

1. Jackson Clark
2. Sam Janaway
3. Dan Sargent
4. Oli Hunt
5. Franko Tomic
6. Jack Janaway
7. Karter Whittock
8. Liam Perkins
9. Joe Knowles
10. Brad Caparo
11. Charlie Muir
12. Greg Jansen
13. Matt McLean
14. Eddie Mathews
15. Nick Blumlien
16. James Barden
17. Tommy Spencer
18. George Davis

For traveling supporters, the journey to Winchester is straightforward, following the A272 after the completion of roadworks in Stroud. Once in Winchester, fans should follow signs for the A34 and then take the Winchester bypass to reach North Walls Park. With extensive facilities, including a bar and food stalls, the venue promises to offer an enjoyable matchday experience, but be sure to arrive early to secure a parking spot.

Historically, Winchester has had the upper hand in recent meetings, with Petersfield winning just two of their last nine encounters. However, with the form the team is in, they will be looking to change that narrative and claim a crucial win on the road.

It’s set to be an exciting contest between two sides, each with plenty to play for as the season heads into its final stages. With so much at stake, the game promises to be an intense and hard-fought battle. Can Petersfield continue their momentum, or will Winchester extend their dominance? Kick-off is at 3:00 PM on Saturday 8th March at North Walls Park.

2nd XV Host Bottom Of The League Isle of Wight

Whilst the 1st XV head up to Winchester in Regional 2, our 2nd XV are back in league action following their impressive win over Fordingbridge a few weeks back. Visiting Penns Place are our friends from Isle of Wight RFC, a side not to be written off in terms of quality.

Last time out, the 2nd XV travelled to the Isle of Wight amidst the chaos of Storm Bert, finding out the news that the game had been cancelled as the ferry had left Portsmouth. Fortunately, whilst the 2nd XV were in transit over the Solent, Isle of Wight managed to pull some strings and the game went ahead in what could be argued as some of the worst conditions we have ever played in! 80mph winds, sideways rain, and sub-zero temperatures tested the team’s mettle, but the boys stuck at it and came away as 29-5 winners on the day.

With better weather on the cards this weekend, the 2nd XV will be looking to put in another strong performance. Kick-off is at 3pm, so why not head down to Penns Place to support the boys in what promises to be a competitive and entertaining fixture? Your cheers from the sidelines could make all the difference!

Team to Face Isle of Wight

1. Jamie Williams
2. Chad White
3. Ryan Morse
4. Fraser Combe
5. Lewis McGarr
6. Chase Thomas
7. Toby Booth
8. Beno Thomas
9. Oscar Horsfall
10. Archie Whitear
11. Ethan Horsfall
12. Will Mathews
13. Toby Colwood
14. Sam Dawes
15. Jasper Campbell
16. Harley Orr
17. James Barden
18. Seb Tuff