Entering the new year, Petersfield will be looking to ride their wave of momentum from their last fixture of 2024, which saw them victorious against rivals Chichester. With an abundance of changes and another debutant, it will be a jam packed match between 5th and 6th place.

Ranked one spot above Petersfield in the league, with a 7 point margin, Wimborne have had an impressive showing this season, winning 7 out of their 13 matches overall, and a positive points difference of 113. It’ll be no short journey for the Red and Green, as they travel to the outskirts of Bournemouth for a big match, which could be a real turning point in this second half of the season. The last time out for Wimborne saw them lose to a North Dorset side away, 24-10. When faced against league leaders Farnham, Wimborne put an impressive result in a 29-37 loss, demonstrating their capability against the higher teams and another prime example of the competitive nature of Regional 2 South Central.

For their maiden season in Level 6, Petersfield have so far put in a resounding performance, finding themselves in the mid table bout, whereas their promotion partner Andover find themselves in the bottom of the league.  

Like we mentioned earlier, the squad will see a couple of changes this week, but we will begin with the front row and work through to 15. The ever trustworthy front row presence of Sam Brown is moved into the loosehead, as Jack Janaway shifts to hooker, whilst Dan Sargent resumes the usual business at tighthead. Oli Hunt retains his lock shirt and Ryan Morse returns to the starting XV to boltser the pack. Matt Momber takes blindside duties, with Karter Whittock his other half and player coach Liam Perkins concludes the bolsterous pack at number 8.
In the first time this season, Nick Blumlein will shift to the scrum-half shirt, as Alex Duffus and Joe Knowles are unavailable for this match.

With this change, it will see a first start of the season for DoR Matt McLean at number 10, away from his familiar 13 shirt at Field. Will Mathews parachutes back into the inside centre top, while George Davis is still back from university and occupies the 13 shirt once again. On the wings, we’re lucky to have 2024 top scorer Miles Sampson and the versatile Sam Dawes on the other. Brad Caparo makes his second appearance for the team after an extremely impressive debut at Penns Place the last time out, where he utilised his boot to execute multiple 50:22’s.

The bench sees Carl Sharrock flung into the mix for forward cover alongside Seb Tuff who will be able to shift along the backline where needed. Finally, it is yet another debut for Field this season, as colt Chase Thomas is poised to earn his first team honours this weekend. Those who have been around Petersfield for years will know Chase well by now, as well as his father Cam and the work he has put in to the club throughout the years. It’ll be a proud moment for all to see him join the Red and Green 1st XV!

Noticeably, Jackson Clarke has returned to National 2 East with Tonbridge Juddians, as his loan spell expires whilst Ryan Wilkie has hung up the boots for the time being as he expects his baby any minute now – all the best to both of them and their great work at Field!

1st XV Side To Take On Wimborne

1. Sam Brown
2. Jack Janaway
3. Dan Sargent
4. Oli Hunt
5. Ryan Morse
6. Matt Momber
7. Karter Whittock
8. Liam Perkins

9. Nick Blumlien
10. Matt McLean
11. Miles Sampson
12. Will Mathews
13. George Davis
14. Sam Dawes
15. Brad Caparo

16. Carl Sharrock
17. Chase Thomas
18. Seb Tuff

We sat down with player coach Liam Perkins to get his thoughts on the match and the last couple of run outs for the lads.

“Our performances over the past two games leading into the Christmas break showed vast improvement with ball in hand, where we played some good rugby - more akin to what we have been used to seeing over the past season or so. As we move into 2025, our goal is to maintain pace with 5th place, which makes this weekend a big fixture - as well either close that gap or fall away. We’ve come through a rough period of results, but smiles are back on faces and the lads are enjoying their rugby, which is inevitably the cornerstone to success.”

Furthermore, we got to speak with Petersfield Academy Graduate and one of the top try scorers last year, George Davis.  

“The win over Chichester showed the type of performance we are capable of, and we need to take that momentum into this week’s game against Wimborne in order to keep pushing for those top league spots”!

With an optimstic outlook and some positive momentum, the squad will be hoping for good weather to showcase their skillset. The match kicks off at Wimborne RFC at 14:00, we hope to see plenty of our Petersfield faithful wrapped up warm there in Dorset!