On the first day for many weeks made for running rugby Petersfield secured a five try bonus point
win in what at best could be described unconvincing fashion while keeping their sixth place in the
Regional Two South Central League.
From the kick off Reeds Weybridge were penalised for holding on and Petersfield kicked for touch.
The lineout on the five metre line was secured by Petersfield who with prop Dan Sargent in
possession sprinted over the line to touch down for an unconverted try 5-0

For twenty minutes Reeds hammered at the Petersfield half forcing a rear guard action to prevent
them breaking through to score, while the visitors disrupted the hosts play and numerous stoppages
by the referee Reeds eventually, they found a gap out wide that was not defended and powered
through to score their first try which was unconverted. 5-5

Matt McLean was on hand to take a pass out to the right and glide though the defence to add
another unconverted try. With half time on the referee’s watch Reeds Weybridge were awarded a
kickable penalty to end the half just two points adrift of Petersfield 10-8

The One Hundred and Twenty guests at the annual pre match Farmers’ Lunch sponsored by Crop
Management Partners, led on the day by former Petersfield first XV player Richard Alderman and
augmented by other supporters from both clubs gave loud and good spirited support from the
balcony and touchline

After the restart Petersfield looked a little more confident and having secured the ball from a scrum
and retained it in a ruck the pack created a platform for the backs to do their stuff. Scrum half Joe
Knowles, halfback partner Brad Caparo inside centre Jim Tribe returning after 3 year’s service in the
Royal Navy passed inside to fullback Charlie Muir who dotted down for a try that Joe Knowles
converted with conviction 17-8

After the restart Reeds tightened up their play bringing in their centres to bolster the back row and
take the ball deep in to Petersfield’s half for several minutes. When Petersfield had possession they
were spread wide and perhaps attempted to play too much rugby in their own twenty two failing to
resort to time honoured Penns Place tactic of kicking long to the clubhouse touch, turning their
opponents or finding touch. With Reeds moving the ball through the hands they stretched
Petersfield defence enough to cross the line unopposed in the left corner for an unconverted try 17-13

After the restart Reeds Weybridge confidence evidently had been bolstered by the previous period
of play and the try played some attractive rugby with several slick passes only to have a move
anticipated by number eight Liam Perkins who intercepted a pass and charged up the centre of the
field. Reeds defenders were quick to attempt to tackle him while he held his line and the ball long
enough for hooker Sam Brown to take the offload and touch down close to the posts to make Joe
Knowles conversion almost a formality 24-13.

After a period of mid field stalemate Reeds won a scrum and their number eight picked up and
breached Petersfield’s defence and through several rucks moving across the pitch eventually broke
through to touch down for a try which was successfully converted from a difficult position. 24-20

In almost the final play of the match Petersfield were in possession just fifteen metres from Reeds
post when desperate defence resulted in an unintentional high tackle by Reeds centre Petersfield’s
Joe Knowles teeing up a successful penalty kick to close off the match 27-20.

Petersfield’s sixth place in the league are 6 points ahead of seventh place Havant II Next week
Petersfield travel to third in the league Od Tiffinians who will be confident of victory with home
advantage after their away shellacking 92-12 of Guildford this Saturday.

Squad: Will Norton, Sam Brown, Dan Sargent, Oli Hunt, Zac Conley, Tim Vreysen, Jack Janaway, Liam
Perkins, joe Knowles, Brad Caparo, Jim Tribe, Tom Blewitt, Matt McLean, Ethan Horsfall, Charie Muir,
Sam Janaway, Ryan Morse