After a gruelling pre season, packed with new players, new structures and an even harder work ethic, it all comes into place now. The new season kicks off this weekend and league rugby returns to Penns Place.

It is our local Hampshire counterparts this weekend, Tottonians, who make the journey from just outside of Southampton. Having finished 4th in the league last season, this is a side hunting for promotion and has been made clear by their posts on social media this offseason. Speaking of last season, Totts clinched both of their games against Field last year, so the boys will be seeking to make amends for these losses and get the new campaign off to a bang with an impressive showing.

While the preseason has certainly been intense and full of hard work, it has not been ideal for the 1st XV, with only one game under the belt – a resounding win against Portsmouth. Due to cancellations from other sides, the squad was left without key fixtures that would have allowed them to put their skills to the test. Nonetheless, the team are dialled in and will not be looking for any excuses.

For the first time this season, let’s look at the squad.

It’s a trio we have become used to hearing, as Jackson Clark, Sam Brown and Dan Sargent all take to the field for a front row full of ball carrying and scrummaging ability.

New recruit Zac Conley brings a wealth of expertise from former team Chichester, paired with Franko Tomic who will be hoping to continue his dominant form for Field.

Greg Jansen completes the move to back rower as he lines up on the blindside this weekend, with Jack Janaway assisting in the other side. Liam Perkins will complete a massive pack and hope that the coaching work he has been putting in will come to fruition this match.

The backline this weekend is fresh and full of young talent, starting with recent Academg graduate – Dan Chinnock. In his first pre season, Dan has been a standout at training with fitness and skills. There is no one better to accompany him than our own Director of Rugby, Matt McLean, who brings an abundance of experience from his time in Nat 2 with Worthing Raiders.

The centre partnership is a new combination but a fierce one, as Toby Colwood links up with Miles Sampson to provide a perfect blend of precision and power. There is another new recruit making his league debut, as Lewis Munt starts on the left wing, hoping to continue his momentum from the match against Portsmouth where he secured a brace. He is joined by well known try scorer Eddie Matthews on the right wing and Ethan Horsfall at fullback.

As for the bench, it is stacked with power as Alex Robinson returns to the mix following his injury last season, as well as Sam Janaway back to fitness and Karter Whittock completing a bench loaded with strength. While this contains 3 forwards, Jansen is more than able to dust off the cobwebs and operate back in the centres if needed, and I’m sure some of the other forwards fancy their chances there too!

Your Field Side to face Tottonians:

1. Jackson Clark Sponsored by Barden FM
2. Sam Brown Available to Sponsor
3. Dan Sargent Sponsored by Newlyns Farm Shop
4. Zac Conley (Debut) Sponsored by Barden FM
5. Franko Tomic Sponsored by The Petersfield Cleaning Services
6. Greg Jansen Sponsor TBC
7. Jack Janaway Sponsored by Newlyns Cookery School
8. Liam Perkins Available to Sponsor

9. Dan Chinnock Sponsored by House of Furn
10. Matt McLean Sponsor TBC
11. Lewis Munt (Debut) Sponsor TBC
12. Toby Colwood Available to Sponsor
13. Miles Sampson Sponsored by Somebody Digital
14. Eddie Matthews Sponsor TBC
15. Ethan Horsfall Sponsored by Spinnaker Windows

Substitutes:

16. Alex Robinson Sponsor TBC
17. Sam Janaway Sponsored by (Un)ordinary Oats
18. Karter Whittock Sponsor TBC

It will be a cracking fixture as both teams aim to improve on their position and get the league well underway!

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