Last weekend’s walkover in Petersfield’s scheduled match against Aldershot & Fleet and Fareham Heathens’ shock loss to mid-table Chineham should have sealed the league two title for the red team. However, it took until just prior to this weekend’s game before Hampshire RFU confirmed that Field had been awarded the five points they were due from the walkover to make their lead at the top of the table unassailable.

The 1st XV therefore travelled to the Isle of Wight in buoyant mood, secure in the knowledge that no matter the result against hosts Ventnor, they would still be promoted next season. However, with sixteen wins from seventeen games behind them, the talk on the train was about the need for a final victory to end an almost flawless season. The focus on the ferry and the chat on the coach told anyone who cared to listen that the passion had not waned.

As events unfolded on the pitch it seemed as though Field’s anxiousness for victory was clouding their judgement and they appeared to chase the game rather than work calmly through the phases and routines. Naturally, the home side added to their woes with a brilliant defensive display that nullified the attempts of Field’s backs to breach the line of defence. Even when a set move created a gap for the likes of Attwood to sprint through, there always appeared to be a second line that would snuff out the attack. It is easy to see how Ventnor’s home form is so good; only two losses from their eight games so far and those to the two top teams in the league – Fareham Heathens nicking victory by a single point.

The initial stages of the game took place in mid-field as the teams sought to open up each other’s defence. With the first quarter coming to an end, Field looked as though they had the upper hand, with the pack threatening Ventnor’s line and even crossing at one stage only for the ball to be ruled as held up. Ill-discipline led to a penalty for Ventnor and they took the chance to clear their lines and take play back up to mid-field.

Halfway through the second quarter, Field ceded a penalty near the edge of the 22. Ventnor chose to take a quick tap and go rather than secure three points from a kick at goal. The decision looked to have been the wrong one as they ultimately coughed up a defensive scrum 5m from Field’s line. However, under intense pressure the ball squirrelled out of the back of the scrum past the unlucky Holroyd and Ventnor grateful gathered it for the opening score under the posts.

Ten minutes later, in the last play of the half, a similar fate befell Ventnor’s defence and Alex Patience was the man on hand for the visitors to rip the ball and cross the line. Bremner added the extras to close the half at 7-points apiece.

The second half was more in Field’s favour and they had the bulk of possession and territory. An early chance to extend their lead went begging as Bremner bounced a penalty kick off of the upright. Ten minutes later, Jack Glancy showed his skills, starting an attack with one of his mesmerising runs and continuing to support the unstoppable tide of red jersey’s before taking the final pass over the line for what would be the winning try. Bremner again sent a kick to the heavens to put Field seven points into the lead.

Still playing in Ventnor’s half, Field’s rushed play lost them the chance of another score and soon after, Ventnor made their first meaningful break into Field’s half. With ten minutes to go, it was now Field’s turn to mount a desperate defence and they did so with aplomb; the pack stealing ball at the breakdown and Derek Eldridge rolling back the years with some strong carries to take the ball back into mid-field where the play remained until the final whistle.

After the game, man-of-the-match Field Captain Gareth Crane mused on the reasons why Ventnor are such tough cookies to crack and concluded that they have a very effective scramble defence and are a very physical team. Of his own side he said, “Although it wasn't our best performance, we once again showed great heart to come back from a 7-0 deficit. Our own defence worked well, especially in the last stages when they were pounding our lines with their big runners. The backs, given they were under a great deal of pressure, ran some decent plays. The forwards battled well in the loose, and secured some decent lineouts and scrums.” Showing the focus that has been the team’s trademark this season, Crane was at pains to point out that they are still in the Gales HSB Plate competition and would be such a boost to the club to win that as well. After calling for continued commitment to mid-week training he allowed himself to reflect on the league season, “Well done to all the players and coaches for their ceaseless efforts throughout the season. Petersfield RFC, league champions. Has a good ring to it, don't you think?!!”

Coach Patience’s thoughts were as insightful as ever, “The match was a tough test, Ventnor defended very effectively and we spent long periods in possession but failed to execute chances. We were dominating up front but seemed to be chasing the game unnecessarily, resulting in errors; the equalising try just before half time was just reward for our efforts though. We spoke at half time about being patient and letting the game come to us by using the ball with more intelligence, creating more space to attack and so stretch a stubborn and determined Ventnor. This paid dividends and so we finished the season with a well-deserved win that is testament to how the lads have approached whole season; coming away with victories through a greater belief where previously they may have buckled.”

Field’s next match is in the Gales HSB Plate Competition against either second-placed Fareham Heathens or League 1, Romsey. The match is at Penns Place on 19th April, with kick-off at 3pm.