Petersfield's Development squad were back in league action this week, still reeling from a disappointing defeat away to Overton previously, the pressure to claim a home win was mounting.

Leading up to the fixture the numbers at senior training had been fantastic, with a few players from extended absence through injury returning and Colts joining the session, selection would prove difficult this week for development squad coach Steve Woolcombe.

Just days before the fixture numbers started to dwindle, unavailability being the team's nemesis. That said, boosted by some tough selections for the 1st XV the squad welcomed stalwart back-row Ryan Morse, and the athletic Dave Wakefield.

In addition, the final team was boosted by the return of Jordan Allen, who has been in scintillating form this season, and Chris Penberthy, who’s presence and go-forward in the centres was a welcome addition with Matt Painter being unavailable this week.

Alresford RFC arrived short on numbers initially and needed to rely on some itinerant players from other clubs to bolster their squad. This and the addition of so many new faces in the Petersfield squad meant that both teams knew they were in for a tough encounter - keeping structure would be a challenge.

The conditions were not ideal with the rain of the previous days making the pitch heavy going - Petersfield would struggle to set alight their back line as they had in previous fixtures. As expected, the early exchanges were through the forwards with some great carries from both teams. Alresford in particular dominated the early play through their two standout back row players who carried strong. However, the Field pack were more than a match and the combination of 'Zorro' Hawkes, Ryan Morse and Chris Edward shut the door every time Alresford were on the attack.

Through the first half, Field became more and more frustrated as what appeared to them to be a constant stream of infringements at the breakdown often went unpunished. The home team started to concede ground and decisions seemed to repeatedly go against them.

The half time whistle therefore came as a welcome break and the addition of some fresh legs plus a few stern words from Captain Dan Marsh and Coach Woolcombe rallied the team. With the team settled down, Field could start to play rugby for the second half. It was not too long before Field's new-found composure had its reward. A Field surge deep inside the Alresford half put the home side on the front foot before some quick structured play disorganised the opposition and Petersfield sucked in the final few defenders before moving the ball quickly wide allowing Tim Thomas to touch down for a well-worked score. Alresford were reeling and on the back foot and this time penalised for repeat offsides which eventually saw them reduced to 14. Petersfield using the opportunity for a quick tap and go, set Jordan Allen into space to fly up the wing for his side's second try.

As the half progressed, the heavy pitch conspired to slow Field and they struggled to move the ball with any real pace. Given drier conditions, the score might have been higher and the 17 – 0 final score somewhat flattered the visitors. Petersfield's Development squad now have taken their winning run to five with only two losses and are very much still on track to win the league. Field have yet to play league leaders, Havant, which will test their resolve, but coach Woolcombe is confident that his side can get a result in the fixture.

On a final note a massive well done to 2XV stalwart Dave Head in scoring his first try of the season............