PORTSMOUTH 3rd XV 15pts -v- PETERSFIELD 2nd XV 25pts

Petersfield RFC resolved a lot of issues last week and were delighted to put out a genuine second XV, even if some of the players were running on the pitch straight from work shifts. But Coach Eldridge is very pleased with the club has had. “We hit a problem that is being recorded all across the playing part of the game. We’ve heard this week of one University varying it’s course work for Rugby Development Officers, with an element now included on developing strategies to retain players between the ages of 18 and 23 – when many young men and women are becoming increasingly mobile in their search for employment and education.”

Petersfield answer has been partially resolved by a mixture of natural commitment and restructure. They have appointed Rupert Kelly has 2nd XV skipper. In stepping up to this Rupert has asked for all players who have had availability problems to contact him directly, so he, Derek and Ian Palmer can develop a workable forecasting system. Rupert’s number is: 07973 118 103. This and e-mail detail will be on the website this week.

In their first serious game for some weeks, Petersfield’s second string gave a good account of themselves, beating a strong Portsmouth Threes 15 – 21 at Rugby Camp. Petersfield’s tries came from Gerald Waterfall, with a try under posts in first half following strong pack effort with driving maul off lineout, even with lacking a prop!

Harry Crabtree grabbed a second in the second half, from a flowing move across the backs from uncontested scrum and if Pompey were somewhat upset as the scrum probably should have gone their way with a suspected knock-on, the referee gave ‘Field the benefit of the doubt and the rest, as they say, is history.

There were good performances from Dan Williams in the front row and from Ben Hooper at scrum half, as much needed asset at Penns. Alex Groves added a conversion and three penalties and the Twos came back to the clubhouse in a happy and boisterous move.

Next weekend, the Twos are scheduled to play Sandown & Shanklin 2nd XV, a tough test for the new set-up at Penns Place, from a club lying second in Hampshire Merit One. Kick-off will be at 2.30 p.m, players meeting at the clubhouse for 1.00 p.m.