Before we begin this week’s match preview, an apology is owed to Mr Harley Orr for his omission last time out. The club captain returns to the 1st XV squad at Penns Place for the first time this season after recovering from a broken foot and, more happily, welcoming a new arrival to his family. It is great to have him back involved.

Now, to business.

Today’s fixture against Twickenham promises to be an intriguing contest. With the pitch softened by extraordinary levels of rainfall and a sense of redemption lingering in the Petersfield camp, expect a physical encounter shaped by attrition, alongside moments of expansive rugby from both sides.

Twickenham’s recent record of one win in five could suggest a more straightforward home fixture than others this season, but that would be a dangerous assumption. The south west London side possess a talented squad, featuring a powerful pack and a threatening back three. They will also be aiming to complete the league double over Petersfield, having secured a 28–15 victory in the reverse fixture back in October, and will take confidence from their commanding 41–0 win over Reeds Weybridge a fortnight ago.

Director of Rugby Matt McLean and his coaching team have named a largely familiar starting XV, with several changes among the replacements poised to make an impact. In the front row, Sam Janaway starts at tighthead, with captain Dan Sargent alongside him at loosehead, making his sixteenth start from a possible sixteen this season. Will Norton takes the hooker’s jersey and has settled seamlessly into life at Petersfield RFC in recent months.

The second row remains unchanged from last weekend’s win over Ellingham & Ringwood, with Croatia international Franko Tomic partnering Ryan Morse. While the caps database is still being finalised, the pair have amassed well over 300 appearances between them, offering Field considerable experience in the engine room.

The back row is also retained, with Jack Janaway on the blindside, Karter Whittock at openside, and Liam Perkins continuing his consistent run at number eight.

Dan Chinnock returns to the starting XV at scrum-half, while Matt McLean keeps the fly-half shirt. Tom Blewitt lines up at inside centre for the first time in the 2026 calendar year, partnering Seb Tuff, who has impressed in recent weeks.

Out wide, Charlie Muir takes his place on the left wing for what will be his final appearance for the club. Charlie has been a top-class performer on the pitch and an even better bloke off it. His consistency, work rate and character have made him a huge asset to the side, and he will be greatly missed as he heads to London for work. Everyone at Field will want to see him sign off in style. On the opposite flank, back-row convert Alex Robinson makes his second consecutive start on the wing after scoring twice in a Player of the Match performance last week.

At full-back, Petersfield’s very own Swiss Army knife, Joe Knowles, once again takes up the role he has made his own in recent weeks, bringing his usual versatility and composure to the back field.

Among the replacements, club captain Harley Orr provides front-row cover. Young winger Jamie Guthrie returns to the 1st XV fold, and there is a welcome return for fly-half Brad Caparo, making his first appearance since the injury he sustained at Guildford before Christmas.

The 2nd XV are also in action at Penns Place, hosting Romsey in a fixture of real significance in their battle for survival. They kick off at 2pm on Pitch 2, before the 1st XV take centre stage at 3pm.

Make an afternoon of it, enjoy the company, and get behind the boys as they aim to secure a fourth win in five in their push for promotion.