A week on from the Twickenham fixture, where Petersfield suffered an agonising loss, we welcome Bournemouth to Penns Place for the first time this season.

Last season, the two sides produced two thrilling contests. The first meeting at Penns Place in November 2024 ended 33–46 to Bournemouth in a 79 point thriller. In the reverse fixture, Bournemouth showed their promotion credentials, brushing ‘Field aside 42-26. They were unfortunate not to be promoted last season but this season it could be argued they are league favourites.

Confidence was high heading into last weeks fixture following three consecutive wins and a team clicking into place. However, this was not to be, as a committed Twickenham side turned their fate around clinching a 28-15 win. A tricky result to take as despite the result, Petersfield felt there was points left on the pitch. It will have to be a more critical performance this Saturday as Bournemouth make the journey over.

The side from the west have enjoyed a so far unbeaten campaign, sitting 2nd only to Winchester, who have acquired more bonus points. Their last fixture out was two weeks ago, with a comfortable 40-24 win against Old Tiffinians, however they did not get a chance to play on the most recent weekend as Reeds Weybridge provided a HWO.

Bournemouth have launched into a two horse race early with Winchester and from a quick look at their statistics on the year, it has been their defence which Petersfield should be wary of. Only 60 points conceded across all of their fixtures this season is an impressive statistic and the only team still in single digits for this category. With a tweaked backline, ‘Field will have aims of manipulating this defence.

Last week saw a number of injuries across the squad, thus resulting in a shifted team pending some fitness tests.

In the frontline, the ever reliable trio of Jackson Clark, Sam Brown and Dan Sargent complete a front row which dominated last weekend. Oli Hunt plays second row as Ryan Morse enters the fold after an impressive string of performances in the 2nd XV - Franko Tomic is on international duty this weekend. The back row sees two changes, with Alex Robinson and Jack Janaway both moving into the starting XV following some impressive performances in the prior game, while Karter Whittock remains at the 8 position.

It was a bruising encounter last weekend, so a number of changes in the backline. Dan Chinnock unfortunately suffered a concussion last weekend, so local swiss pocket knife Joe Knowles easily slips into the 9 jersey, with Matt McLean leading the team from the fly-half position. In the centres, we see new recruit Tom Blewitt return after the birth of his child, with Miles Sampson rejoining the line too. Toby Colwood earns his shirt once again after a strong start to the season on the wing, with Seb Tuff also coming back into the mixer to form a robust winger combination. Charlie Muir continues to don the fullback shirt as we all pray the weather holds up for some free flowing rugby.

On the bench this weekend, it is an experienced trio of players. Will Norton returns to the fold following a brief injury, while Greg Jansen provides back row and centre cover. Finally, Brad Caparo offers the ability to play across the back line.

Get yourself down to Penns Place tomorrow for a 3pm KO!

For more information on tomorrows game, take an early look at our matchday programme!