Cranleigh 2nd XV (12) v Petersfield 2nd XV (5)

A squad of 21-players afforded Petersfield the opportunity for some experimentation with different combinations within the team and the chance to try players in different positions.

Two player highlights for the team included the welcome return of Craig Lewis, returned to Petersfield following his military posting to Africa, and Erin Eales, once again proving his worth by scoring Petersfield’s try from a close range charge – unfortunately for Field this was Eale’s last game before he goes to university.

The major bonus for the team’s management was the number of new players of all abilities who have stepped up to the mark in the past three weeks and shown a real commitment to the cause. Jon Horsefall and Neil Whitlock, are fast becoming a decent back row unit and newcomers Simon Blackman, Matt Dean, and Ivan Canning all made an impact on Saturday. Skipper Jamie Williams led from the front until being injured in a do-or-die tackle that resulted in Petersfield stealing the ball from the opposition and turning defence into attack. Field’s line out worked well with Toby Faulkner gaining confidence as front jumper, taking his own ball well and disrupting Cranleigh’s efforts.

One downside was Field’s lightweight pack who found themselves on the back-foot at scrum time, in spite of the tireless work of second row Allan Mcmanus. Mcmanus also had a storming game in loose play, frustrating Cranleigh’s best efforts on more than one occasion.
Overall Petersfield played with commitment and passion and with an enthusiasm for contact, but an issue that has dogged the club in recent seasons was again apparent; the 2nd XV have the ability to be competitive, but to finish games as consistent winners they need to train as a team. Cranleigh were well drilled and worked well as team, but were of a standard that shouldn't have troubled Petersfield, who time and again created scoring opportunities, but couldn't finish them.
The man of the macth Petersfield was winger Alex McNaughton whose defence work was outstanding.

Next Saturday (21st) the League season starts in earnest and if Field can put out virtually the same team at Penns Place, visitors Ryde should be in for a testing afternoon.