'Field Twos unlucky against United Services

U.S PORTSMOUTH II XV 8pts -v- PETERSFIELD II XV 0 (nil)pts

The visitors began the game with the conditions onside, the strong wind playing them downfield. Heavy rain inevitably led to numerous handling errors from both sides, with the game taking a slow start.

Despite the poor conditions, the game became very open, with both sides making good territory from attacking play. US Portsmouth proved to be the more organised outfit by linking up both forwards and backs early on to make solid yards into the 'Field half. Waves of attack came but Petersfield held their own on their line, with constant tackling coming from Deakin and Christmas, keeping out each home attack with a strong defensive line.

Neither side managed to get a score as half time approached, though the game sped up as both teams became eager to get points on the board before the break. There was a brief danger of the game spilling into violence and one incident involving one Petersfield player and several US players went under the referee's radar, but not that of the visiting players. The referee did manage to diffuse the situation though, and normal order was restored as the half-time whistle came, the sides going in at 0-0.

Petersfield didn't let the conditions being against them alter their game, but instead proved they can run with the ball and find gaps in the home defence, with Campbell Wilson leading from the front with impressive running lines. Despite this, 'Field were unable to turn the pressure into points.

After a lot more back and forth rugby, it was US Portsmouth who opened the scoring. A scrum, that 'Field dominated against the head, led to the ball popping out of the scrum and with quick thinking from the home No.9, U.S were able to run in a try in the corner.

Petersfield pushed hard to get a crucial score in the dying few minutes, but were unable to break the ever-organised United Services defence. A mistake just outside the 'Field twenty-two metre-line gave a penalty to the home side for the last play of the game, which they converted for the three points, ending the game 8-0 to US Portsmouth.

Captain Matt Doe said: "its always tough playing U.S.P at home, but we gave it a strong effort today. The conditions obviously didn't help, but it was impressive to see that no one gave up. I think 0-0 would have been a fair result as I'm not sure they outplayed us at all, but unfortunately it just didn't go our way." The Twos are away at Hooks Lane next weekend in a tough local derby versus Havant Threes and will want to put out as string a XV as possible.