As worsening weather sweeps across Hampshire, Petersfield had been preparing for a crucial home clash to get their season moving in the right direction. However, with the pitches at Penns Place now deemed unplayable after a punishing few weeks of rain, today’s meeting with local rivals Havant II will instead take place at Havant RFC with a 12.00pm kick off.

Last weekend saw Petersfield caught in a torrential downpour against a well-drilled Old Tiffinians side, leaving the Red and Green empty-handed in a heavy 35–0 defeat. Training this week has centred on adapting to difficult conditions and sharpening the team’s ability to avoid getting stuck between phases, something the group is keen to put into action this afternoon. While Mr Todd’s tireless work usually keeps the Penns Place surface in fine order, even he could not rescue the pitch from the latest spell of weather.

Havant II arrive in excellent form following a convincing 40–10 win over Reeds Weybridge, a result that lifted them to fifth in the table. With Havant’s first team competing in National Two East, the club’s depth, competition for places and constant first-team ambition means their 2nd XV remain a formidable outfit.