After a Six Nations campaign that may not live long in the memory, we return to Penns Place tomorrow, where the rugby on show should offer a far more entertaining alternative than the box kicking drivel England have served up over the past few months, as ‘Field host local rivals Havant Dolphins in Round 20 of Regional 2 South Central.

With both sides now safe in the league, the narrative shifts slightly, but do not be fooled, there is still plenty on the line. Local bragging rights, league positioning, and the chance to finish the season strongly all hang in the balance, with very little separating the two sides heading into the final stretch.

Havant Dolphins arrive just behind Petersfield in the table and will be looking to reverse the earlier defeat between the two sides. Their season has been defined by high scoring encounters, with results rarely lacking action. A recent 39–20 win over Reeds Weybridge underlined their attacking threat, while close contests against Twickenham and Wimborne show they are more than capable of competing with the league’s stronger outfits.

Director of Rugby Matt McLean is expecting an open and entertaining contest, particularly given the conditions and the style of both sides.

“Havant have had a terrific season, showcasing their ability with the ball in hand and regularly registering high scores, no matter the opposition.”

“The reverse fixture between the two sides threw up a 70 plus pointer during a difficult spell weather wise, where the move to Havant’s all weather pitch allowed the game to go ahead and produced an end to end spectacle of attacking rugby.”

“With a dry track and improving conditions this weekend, it should encourage both teams to move the ball with high energy. I expect it will be a great game for the neutral.”

The stakes remain significant. Both sides are battling to cement that sixth place position in the league standings, and Havant will no doubt be motivated to settle the score following their defeat earlier in the campaign.

“The stakes are high for both sides and Havant will certainly want to put things right after the loss at their place earlier in the season.”

‘Field, meanwhile, come into this one off the back of a strong showing away at third placed Old Tiffinians a fortnight ago. While the result did not fall their way, the performance left a clear impression.

“Our group are buoyant after the Old Tiffs game, where we produced one of the most complete performances I have seen from the side in the past three seasons.”

“We will take a lot of confidence from that into this weekend and look to reproduce something similar and come away with a well earned result.”

Elsewhere in the league, there is added intrigue. Tottonians host league leaders Bournemouth, the only side to take points off them this season in what remains their sole draw of the campaign. Should Bournemouth secure the win, the play off race could open up significantly, and the winner of tomorrow’s clash at Penns Place may well find themselves edging back into the conversation.

McLean has made four changes to the starting XV that impressed in London, as availability continues to improve.

In the front row, the ever present combination of Will Norton, Sam Brown and captain Dan Sargent starts once again. Norton makes his first appearance on the cover of the matchday programme, Brown reaches a remarkable 151st appearance for the club, and Sargent brings up his 50th outing in red, white and green.

There is a wealth of experience in the second row, with Franko Tomic partnering Ryan Morse, a pairing that boasts close to 300 1st XV appearances between them. With Jack Janaway unavailable, Zac Conley and Karter Whittock take their places on the flanks, while player coach Liam Perkins anchors the pack at number eight.

In the backs, Joe Knowles continues his influential role at scrum half, with Brad Caparo retaining the number 10 shirt following an impressive display against Old Tiffinians.

The midfield sees Matt McLean link up with Seb Tuff in a powerful centre partnership, while out wide Jim Tribe and Alex Robinson provide both physicality and attacking threat after causing problems for Old Tiffinians last time out. Tom Blewitt returns at full back to complete a strong and well balanced back line.

Among the replacements, Jamie Williams makes a welcome return to 1st XV rugby, having last featured against Bournemouth in November 2024. Ethan Horsfall is also included, arriving in strong form and ready to make an impact when called upon. The final bench spot will be confirmed ahead of kick off, with full team news available on the screens inside the clubhouse and across the club’s social channels.

All signs point towards an entertaining afternoon at Penns Place. With two sides who favour an open style of rugby, favourable conditions, and a local edge to the fixture, this one has all the ingredients.

Kick off is at 3pm. Be there or be square.

You can find the full matchday programme through the link below.