Petersfield RFC 2nd XV (5) v Trojans RFC 3rd XV (29)

Field began slowly and Trojans took advantage with two tries early in first half. Field finally warmed up and started to put the phases together, matching Trojans in the tight with the Red forwards prevailing at breakdown and the team as a whole upping their work-rate in the loose. Petersfield began to impose themselves and break the gain line forcing Trojans on to the back-foot. Their defence worked hard to get behind the ball and a number of promising Field moves went begging for the want of one more support player to receive a recycled ball or continue the drive forward. Eventually, Petersfield got their reward from a sustained period of pressure as Trojans impinged near the line and Godber was freed by a quick tap penalty to burst over line. The puzzling lack of a kicking tee meant that the conversion was a drop goal attempt rather than a place kick and the resultant miss sent Field in at the break at 5-12.

Buoyed up by their improved performance Field started the second in half in good fettle. As a result the teams were evenly matched well into the second half but eventually Field’s defence yielded to the constant pounding from Trojans strong runners and three tries were conceded in quick succession. Field thought they had got a consolation try back late in second half; the forwards had been encamped on the Trojans line when Godber was adjudged to have been held up over the line. To the watching support this appeared to have been somewhat harsh as Godber had recycled the ball quickly for Cuthbertson to ‘score’.

Despite the loss, Captain Rupert Kellie remained upbeat as he gave his end-of-term assessment for the season so far. “Through this first half of season the team has really developed, even taking the recent losses into account. Whilst maintaining a competitive squad the team has been able to provide competent support to the 1st XV, (with number of players making a seemingly permanent move), and also provide development opportunities to the younger players from the Colts.”

Kellie is confident that, in the New Year, the 2nd XV can find the vital ingredient that will help them sustain their intensity for the full 80 minutes and help them win the close matches.

Squad: Godber, Gargaro, Cuthbertson, A. Patience, Kellie, Lumbard, Boardman, Mackay, Cosway, Eldridge, Orr, Deakin, Cantan, Haslett, Attwood, Groves, Harrington, Ireland