Petersfield’s 1st XV have no time to catch their breath following their first home match last Saturday as this week they take to the road again to fellow league strugglers, Andover.

It has been several years since Field faced off against Andover in Hampshire 1. During that time, Andover have had success in the London leagues, whereas Field’s fortunes have fluctuated. Having flirted with relegation over the past few years, Andover finally failed to avoid the drop and they, along with Winchester, find themselves in London 3 SW.

Field Head Coach, James Alder, has done his homework ahead of the encounter and is trusting the hard work his players have put in on the training pitch will tip the balance in his charges favour.

“Andover are well known for having a strong pack and know how to use the slope on their 1st XV pitch to their advantage, so we will have to work hard to nullify their advantage. Whilst we have a young side, the players have shown over our first two matches that they have the grit and determination to take the game to Andover.

We have a side here that is learning all the time and has already been tempered by two very hard opening games. This week I hope to see them continue to develop their all-round game with forwards and backs supporting each other in defence as well as attack. I also want them to show me clinical finishing and finesse when they are in the final third.”