Tomorrow sees Petersfield RFC make the short journey up to old foes Guildford as ‘Field look to get off the mark following a disappointing opening-day result against Chobham.

Fixtures between the two sides have traditionally been close, but Petersfield have fared well against their Surrey counterparts since promotion to Regional 2 South Central, winning all four league meetings across the past two seasons.

However, with a new-look backroom staff and a fresh injection of players at Broadwater, ‘Field’s coaching staff expect Guildford to provide a far more formidable challenge than in seasons prior.

Petersfield head into tomorrow’s game off the back of a disappointing 24-14 defeat to Chobham at Penns Place. Similarly, Guildford were on the wrong end of their opening fixture, falling to a 34-7 defeat away at newcomers Weybridge Vandals.

With both sides eager to get off the mark for the 2026/27 season, another fierce, competitive and fast-paced encounter between the two clubs is expected.

TEAM NEWS

A number of injuries from last weekend, paired with the return of several players, sees plenty of movement in the Petersfield squad heading up to Broadwater Pavilion.

In the pack, Jamie Williams starts at loosehead, with Charlie Tomlin switching sides to tighthead this week. Returning to the squad between them at hooker is the ever-present Sam Brown.

There is a double change in the engine room as Petersfield Youth graduate James Tyler makes his 1XV debut for ‘Field. Another exciting prospect to come through the club pathway, Tyler has been wearing the red, white and green since Under 6s.

Alongside him is another familiar name in Ryan Morse, who makes the step up from the 2XV following their victory at Lymington last weekend.

Having started last weekend in the second row, Eddie Jordan moves to blindside flanker, with Jack Janaway the only member of the pack to retain his position at openside. Tim Vreysen completes the pack at No.8, replacing injured 1XV captain Karter Whittock.

In the backs, Joe Knowles retains his place at scrum-half and is handed the captain’s armband for the first time in Whittock’s absence.

Preparing to make his debut following a summer move from Alton RFC, Lewis New takes the reins at fly-half for his first competitive appearance in a Petersfield shirt.

Matt McLean returns to the starting XV at inside centre, with Seb Tuff his midfield counterpart on the outside, creating a powerful centre partnership.

On the subject of power, Alex Robinson retains his place on the left wing, with Jim Tribe returning to the 1XV fold on the right. The starting XV is completed by Ethan Horsfall, who retains his place at full-back.

On the bench, Kieran Cook looks set to make his 1XV debut as a forwards replacement, with last week’s starting fly-half Archie Whitear ready to make his mark when called upon.

Completing the line-up is Aidan Blackman, who makes a welcome return to the 1XV following a torrid couple of seasons with injuries. Great to have you back, Aidan.

STARTING XV

15. Ethan Horsfall
14. Jim Tribe
13. Seb Tuff
12. Matt McLean
11. Alex Robinson
10. Lewis New
9. Joe Knowles (c)
1. Jamie Williams
2. Sam Brown
3. Charlie Tomlin
4. James Tyler
5. Ryan Morse
6. Eddie Jordan
7. Jack Janaway
8. Tim Vreysen

Replacements: Kieran Cook, Archie Whitear, Aidan Blackman

ELSEWHERE

After an opening weekend full of surprises, Round Two offers another intriguing set of fixtures across Regional 2 South Central.

Perhaps the pick of the weekend sees Chobham welcome Winchester. Chobham arrive with five points after their opening-day victory at Penns Place, while Winchester will be looking for an immediate response after title favourites suffered a shock 30-22 defeat to newly promoted Bognor.

The division’s top two after the opening weekend also meet as Old Tiffinians host Weybridge Vandals. Both secured try-bonus-point victories in Round One, with Old Tiffinians putting 41 points on Camberley while newly promoted Weybridge made an immediate statement with their 34-7 victory over Guildford.

Tottonians will look to build on their narrow 35-33 victory at Twickenham when they host Camberley, who will be searching for their first points of the campaign following defeat to Old Tiffinians.

Twickenham’s two bonus points from that narrow opening-day defeat leave them seventh ahead of a trip to Havant II, with the Dolphins also picking up a try bonus point despite their 33-24 defeat to Wimborne.

Wimborne will look to build on that encouraging start when they welcome newly promoted Bognor, who travel to Dorset following arguably the result of the opening weekend against Winchester.

With all six Round One winners collecting maximum points, but several of the opening fixtures proving far tighter and less predictable than recent seasons, another fascinating weekend awaits across the division.

ROUND TWO FIXTURES

Chobham v Winchester
Old Tiffinians v Weybridge Vandals
Tottonians v Camberley
Havant II v Twickenham
Wimborne v Bognor
Guildford v Petersfield

REGIONAL 2 SOUTH CENTRAL TABLE

2XV AT PENNS PLACE

Our 2XV are also in action this weekend as they welcome Alton 1XV to Penns Place for their second league clash of the season.

Following an excellent victory away at Lymington last weekend, the 2XV will be looking to continue their strong start to the 2026/27 campaign on home soil.

Kick-off is at 3pm, with the clubhouse bar and kitchen open prior to the action.

If you can’t make the journey to Guildford with the 1XV, get yourselves down to Penns Place and back the 2XV as they look to make it two wins from two.