PETERSFIELD 2nd XV 24 pts -v- SANDOWN & SHANKLIN 2nd 22 pts

New Seconds skipper Rupert Kellie and PRFC Coach Derek Eldridge got a good the opportunity to see how much depth ‘Field have and how some of the younger players performed against genuine hard opposition.
In the death, it was a cracking game, enjoyed by a big crowd whom had been at the sponsors lunch – certainly better value that watching the national side stumble against Samoa.

Petersfield started very strongly and in the first quarter scored two well-worked tries, which delighted Eldridge. Both tries came from working the ball into space and using the win to advantage, something Eldridge has been banging into his players for ages. Firstly a try Tom Winfield, described by skipper Kellie as an up-and-coming flanker. This score came from quick ruck ball and then shifting the ball cross the backs. Winfield burst through the line taking the ball to score.

Then a superbly taken wingers try Richard Jordan, belying his Vets status, with classic flowing move cross the backs. Another youngster in Tom Franks making a great break and releasing Jordan to scorch down the wing and then with delicate chip and chase, which outfoxed the Sandown defence for a fine try. Groves obliged with a conversion and although in the latter part of first half 'Field came under increasing pressure from Sandown, some great defence meant ‘Field went into the break with 12-3 lead, the Slopes only reward being a single penalty. Eldridge must have been purring with the style his charges were showing.

But it’s along way to travel to get beaten by a cricket score and Sandown fought their way back with two converted tries, their big pack trundling round leviathan-like and they had the lead with the last quarter looming.

Kellie rallied his team and they took controol for the next twenty minutes. Firstly, they drove back from the set piece disrupting the Sandown scrum and moved firmly upfield. From a lineout on the right, they set-up a number of mauls followed by some great rucking, which brought them to within metres of the Sandown try line. Another lineout, the ball moved left to then set a powerful 'forwardsesque' try from Eldridge bursting through the Sandown defence to score, showing all his skills on his fortieth birthday. His reward was a rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday” from Les Balconniers and his teammates.

'Field then scored another try racing down the paddock. The backs were set running off another solid set of rucks from the forwards, Eldridge continuing to provide a great anchor and shape to the back line. This allowed Tom Franks to break through, Rich Deakin was held up metres short of the try line, keeping the ball alive long enough for the close supporting Harvey Belcher to take the ball and score and although Sandown fought back strongly to grab another try and bring the score to 24-22. Petersfield held on with true grit and determination, a great start to Kellie captaincy of the Twos.

And the new skipper was most pleased with the overall performance. “Overall, I’m very proud of the boys who gave it their full effort and determination all the way to final whistle and showed true heart and belief to come back in the second half on Saturday. Said the big second row. “To win the game over a side many places above us is a real achievement. But I would want to emphasise that we need to continue to maintain good availability. There is a good core to the side and there is no reason why we cannot continue winning ways and moves up the table.”

But as Eldridge underlined, Petersfield need all these players in the training and fitness cycle, particularly front rows. “It is essential for Petersfield continuance that we have a Seconds with regular availability and having a large core of players who around each Saturday showing the commitment.” He said after. But all in the coaching staff will have been satisfied with the result. “We have growing number of young players like Winfield, Franks, Belcher, Hooper who showing real promise for the club.” He said.

Tommy Bissett was outstanding on his return to the club, giving a great performance in the blistering tackles he put in on the opposition, being no key in 'Field’s defence and offensive. Tom Franks was again a young player in backs who made many breaks of invention and was involved in majority of the run up to the tries. And was with a real pleasure to see Matt Hartwig returning to the red-and-white for his first match this season. Matt’s rugby savvy, in still a young player by forwards standards, was sometimes the difference between the two packs and the coaches at Penns Place will be delighted at his return the fray. He gave a most solid performance in the forwards. Mr Eldridge was most delighted on his birthday and perhaps can now see the woods for the trees.