Two weeks after that bruising ending against Bournemouth at Penns Place, Petersfield are back on the move. Tomorrow sees the boys head into Surrey for a meeting with Reeds Weybridge in Gameweek 8, a fixture that already feels important as the squad looks to steady the ship.

The last time the two sides met was back in 2021 during a preseason run out that finished 32 17 to Reeds. A lot has changed since then. Reeds come into this weekend in eleventh place with only one victory on the board, that win coming over Twickenham who themselves edged past Petersfield only three weeks ago. The league continues to throw up results that make even the coaches shake their heads.

For Petersfield the focus is simple. Stop the run of two defeats and climb back towards the level the squad expects of itself. Training has been sharp all week with returning players adding genuine competition across the board.

Up front Jackson Clark once again takes his familiar place at loosehead. The captain, Dan Sargent, anchors the tighthead side and new signing Will Norton continues at hooker after an encouraging first outing. Behind them Oli Hunt keeps the four shirt following an impressive showing against Bournemouth and he locks in beside Zac Conley who has settled into life at Petersfield with an authority that belies his short time at the club.

The back row has a slight change of shape with Jack Janaway taking charge of the blindside role. Alex Robinson moves to the openside and Karter Whittock completes the pack at number eight.

The half backs remain a key pairing for Petersfield. Joe Knowles holds the scrum half shirt after a run of sharp performances and he is joined by Brad Caparo who steps in to guide the attack with Matt McLean sidelined through injury.

In midfield Petersfield field a powerful combination in Greg Jansen and Miles Sampson who will look to punch holes in the Reeds defence. Out wide Toby Colwood features for the final time before he and Sas of the Petersfield women make their move to Kent. On the right Eddie Matthews returns after missing the Bournemouth match and Charlie Muir keeps his place at full back where he has been a picture of consistency all season.

The replacements bring plenty of substance. Sam Brown provides front row cover in shirt sixteen. Liam Perkins returns from injury and takes seventeen and there is a welcome recall for Archie Whitear who earns a place in the first team squad for the first time in quite some time.

The 2nd XV are also in action, making the trip to Andover with a strong group that includes the likes Chad White and Franko Tomic who has recently completed a spell of international duty with Croatia. They will be determined to spark their campaign into life against an Andover side currently sitting in seventh.