Rugby returns to Penns Place tomorrow for the first time since ‘Field’s crushing and controversial defeat to Twickenham in January, as the men in red, white and green host eleventh placed Reeds Weybridge in a must win Round 18 clash in Regional 2 South Central.

The occasion is heightened by a sold out Farmers Lunch upstairs, with over 120 guests in attendance, promising a lively atmosphere around the ground. As Director of Rugby Matt McLean noted ahead of kick off, “We welcome Reeds Weybridge to Penns Place tomorrow in front of what promises to be a great crowd, with a full house at the pre match Farmers Lunch.”

Tomorrow’s visitors have endured a challenging start to 2026, most recently falling 51–7 to promotion chasing Old Tiffinians. Prior to that came the heaviest defeat of the season, a 115–0 loss away at league leaders Bournemouth. While those results may suggest a straightforward afternoon, Petersfield are well aware that league position and recent scorelines count for very little at this level. Reeds Weybridge are a side with genuine quality and, on their day, are capable of unsettling anyone in the division.

‘Field also come into tomorrow’s fixture off the back of two defeats. The most recent came away at Bournemouth, where despite the result, Petersfield produced an inspired performance and posted the second highest score achieved against the league’s strongest side. “We caused Bournemouth problems for long periods of the game,” McLean reflected. “That performance showed the character of the group and is something we want to build on tomorrow.”

Before that came a frustrating home defeat to Twickenham, a side that have completed a league double over Petersfield this season. “On paper it’s a fixture we would expect to win,” McLean added, “but they have become something of a bogey team for us. It’s another reminder that execution and mindset on the day are everything in this league.”

Those results have seen Petersfield slip to sixth in the table on 48 points, nine adrift of fifth place. With five games remaining, a strong run is essential if ‘Field are to keep their play off ambitions alive, a target the club firmly believes reflects its current standing.

There are changes to the starting XV this week as availability improves. In the pack, Will Norton returns at prop alongside captain Dan Sargent, with Sam Brown starting at hooker as part of a set piece that has shown real promise in recent weeks. Oli Hunt continues in the engine room, while Zac Conley comes in at lock. Tim Vreysen moves into the starting side following a late withdrawal for Karter Whittock, joining Jack Janaway and Liam Perkins in a powerful back row.

In the backs, Joe Knowles starts at scrum half and retains the kicking duties, while Brad Caparo continues at fly half after impressing against Bournemouth. Tom Blewitt returns in the centres alongside Matt McLean, while youth graduate Jim Tribe is set to make his first First XV appearance in three seasons. Charlie Muir returns at full back, adding experience to a youthful back three that includes Ethan Horsfall, who continues his return from injury.

McLean acknowledged the disruption caused by availability this season but remains positive. “We have been challenged throughout the year, but that creates opportunity. Players coming in tomorrow have a real chance to stake their claim, and we expect high energy from them.”

Tomorrow’s matchday is proudly sponsored by Crop Management Partners LLP, a long established local business with deep agricultural roots and a strong connection to Petersfield Rugby Club. Speaking ahead of the game, Crop Management Partners said:

“It is Crop Management Partners’ great pleasure to be able to sponsor the game tomorrow, especially as farming is so very close to everything we do.

Crop Management Partners are a team of ten agronomists providing progressive, independent and unbiased advice across the South of England. A local company established in Petersfield over 40 years ago, we have grown over the years and are proud to have an association with Petersfield Rugby Club, something we share with a number of our clients, many of whom will be here tomorrow, some who have been with us from the start.

Petersfield Rugby Club has always had a strong tradition of agricultural influence and support. The Farmers Lunch remains one of the most popular fixtures in the calendar, and it is great to see that tradition continues both on and off the pitch.

Crop Management Partners is proud to be involved in British farming, proud to be associated with Petersfield Rugby Club, and would like to thank all our clients for their continued support. Thank you.

We hope everyone has a great time tomorrow and wish Petersfield all the very best for the game and the season ahead.”

Richard Alderman
Crop Management Partners

All signs point towards a compelling afternoon of rugby at Penns Place. Kick off is at 3pm tomorrow, with the café and outdoor bar open beforehand. Supporters are kindly asked to avoid the clubhouse prior to kick off due to the Farmers Lunch upstairs, although those dressed in tweed may feel they blend in just fine.

“Games at this level are decided by those who execute best on the day,” McLean concluded. “If our attitude is right, we give ourselves every chance. Make some noise for the boys. Up the Rams.”

Petersfield RFC Matchday Line Up

1. Will Norton
2. Sam Brown
3. Dan Sargent (c)
4. Oli Hunt
5. Zac Conley
6. Tim Vreysen
7. Jack Janaway
8. Liam Perkins

9. Joe Knowles
10. Brad Caparo
11. Ethan Horsfall
12. Tom Blewitt
13. Matt McLean
14. Jim Tribe
15. Charlie Muir

Replacements

16. Sam Janaway
17. Ryan Morse