Petersfield 2nd XV (74) v Havant 3rd XV (7)
Of all the fantastic results on what was a glorious day for rugby at Penns Place, Saturday’s score-line in the 2nd XV’s fixture against neighbours Havant was the best. With twelve tries and seven conversions to Havant’s one converted try.
It was clear from the off that both teams were stoked up for the match; so much so that feelings bubbled over early in the second half when a player from each team was sin-binned for what looked to be some over-aggressive cuddling on the floor. In their enforced absence the serious business of rugby carried on and by the time they returned the match had settled down into good hard rugby.
It goes without saying that Field secured their dominance early on, but this was not all one-way traffic. During the first half, Havant spent a considerable amount of time in and around Field’s 22, but lacked the power or guile to break down the wall of red that stood before them.
Field, on the other hand were deadly in their attacks and the forwards and backs combined efficiently and effectively to move the ball to create space which could then be exploited. Scorers in the first half included Winfield, Eldridge, Alderman, Landels, Smith and Apps, (both club debutants). In spite of the overwhelming task ahead of them, Havant kept plugging away and were rewarded their try at the end of the half.
The second half started in the same vein as most of the first with a great team try. Winfield secured a strong lineout ball outside the Havant 22 from which Field set up a textbook rolling maul. The forwards’ efforts drove the ball a further 10 metres before Cosway took control, sniping through the smallest of gaps before giving a sweet reverse-pass offload to Eldridge who was running the perfect line to burst through defence and score. Soon after the traffic became one way as Alderman took two more scores for his hat-trick, (including one solo run from halfway line). Apps and Winfield each crossed again to double their tally, whilst Johnson picked up one.
One of the most pleasing aspects of this match for Field was the manner in which the team continued to play, keeping their game tight and providing constant support for each other. This positive approach in less than trying circumstances should stand them in good stead for future, tougher fixtures.