Petersfield 2nd XV (59) v Tottonians 3rd XV (17)

It was a pity for the seconds that their game was played at the same time as their 1st XV colleagues were running riot in front of a large crowd at the clubhouse. Whilst the support on the touchline was probably more than might have been expected at this time of year, the play on display from ‘Field was worthy of a much bigger audience.

As with the first team, the seconds were bolstered by the addition of a number of young 'Colts bolters’ who all had great games. “We’ll do the tackling, you do the running”, one of the older players was heard to advise the youngsters. Debutants Cosway, Alderman and Harrington with returning Colts Belcher and Groves, all played their part and added some real verve to the team.

It is to the credit of Seniors and Colts alike that they gelled so quickly to turn in a seamless display of try scoring Rugby. This was very evident in the ‘Field scrum which was particularly strong in spite of having a new front row combination; Downes and Tomkins proving extremely solid props and Deakin, making a guest appearance at hooker, putting in strong showing with numerous balls won against the head.

It was clear from the first whistle that both teams were going to suffer in the unusual October heat but it was the men in red who gave their all to the end whilst Totts wilted under the pressure and the baking sun. The pattern for the day's play was virtually set within the first five minutes of the match when ‘Field generated quick ball from a ruck in their own half and spread the ball through the backs to Belcher on the wing who scorched down the touchline to score 'Fields first try. The conversion was one of only two that Alderman missed from the nine taken.

Whilst it is fair to say that the first half was entirely one-sided, this does not do justice to the stalwart defence that ‘Field put up on the occasions when the Totts juggernaut managed to secure ball and rolled forward. The forwards stopped any forward momentum by their opponents and stripped ball whilst the backs triumphed in their individual battles taking their tackles with aplomb and not a little bite.

The tries came from the solid platform that the defence created and in each case ‘Field were able to break the gain line and, with or without support, power down field to score.

Landels, Winfield, Belcher and Harrington all benefitted from superb recycling of the ball and sweet handling that enabled them to find the gaps in the Totts defence. The last try of half came from one of 'Fields seasoned campaigners, as the half drew to a close the ever alert Eldridge sensed a half chance with the Totts defence slightly out of line. He broke a tackle and powered away from the Totts line to score under the posts.

After the break Totts caught ‘Field napping (or panting) and scored two quick, unconverted tries. 'Field put their foot back on the gas and finished the game as they had started. First Quail picked up from the back of a 5m scrum and powered over to score 'Fields 7th try. Next came barnstorming prop Tomkins who took an offload from the back line just outside Totts 22 and, sprinting through flailing Totts tackles, sped away score. 'Fields last try was Belcher’s hat-trick who was rewarded for his close support play.