Field muster a scratch 2nd team …..

Injuries and absences meant many second team regulars were hauled up to fulfil the first team fixture and the 2’s also with further injuries had to call upon others to help out, including a couple of 3rd team regulars, two colts debutantes, and some "retired from regular rugby" members. All stepping up to the mark very well.

Field kicked off at their home ground and Stoneham with the first possession were quickly into their rhythm of central play and making thrusts through the middle of the park. The hosts held firm for a good period of time but eventually an unfamiliar team line up enabled Stoneham to exploit weaknesses there and penetrate to score first having missed an earlier penalty attempt. Field were to make headway against their opposition and winning the ball at the breakdown only to miss the touchline in the corner from which Stoneham rebuilt their attack.

There were opportunities and good passages of play from both sides but it was a driving maul and another break through run with some errant tackling that saw Stoneham lead 17 -0 at the half.. In the second half Fields failure to gather the ball at the kickoff enabled Stoneham to burst through and score immediately.

Undeterred and a positive attitude saw the Field number 8 make headway off the back of a scrum, link with the 9 and the resultant swift ball through the backs hands, enabled Giles to score on the wing.

Many other penetrating runs from Fields Bremner ( man of the match ) never quite managed to end in a score whilst Stoneham managed to convert their opportunities. In the last quarter of the game tired forwards meant the pace had to slow and the result was that Field managed to play some more measured structured pod work and return the complement of driving a series of mauls over in the corner and add another try before close of play.

Despite being beaten there were some real positives from Field with young James Barden, Bradley Hughes (Colts), an Evan Smith also in his first senior match showing great resolve.

A good game although credit to Stoneham who have improved since last year and t was evident that their cohesive set of players ultimately made the difference. Final score 48 - 15 to Stoneham.