Hants Snows Group Merit Tables Division 1; PRFC 2nd XV (7) v Havant 3rd XV (24)

Havant arrived one shy of a full backline so Field players Groves and Higson shared a ½ each to play for the visitors to give them a full complement of players and backs. Even though they were short at the back, it was clear that Havant’s pack was a strong and canny unit.

The first half was very much of tale of Havant’s superior organisation and strength as their pack working together to create the opportunities and score 4 tries. Field at times showed they could more than hold their own but were let down by missed tackles and a lack of cohesiveness and commitment round the rucks and mauls. Here Havant dominated, snuffing out Field attacks before they could gather momentum by consistently turning over the ball. Field became increasingly frustrated and numerous penalties were awarded against them by the referee who seemed willing to punish perceived infringement along with the genuine.

It wasn’t all one way, however, and Field were able to show what they were capable of with a fine score half way through the first half. A well won line out provided quick ball to the back line where Cosway found Jack Glancy on the half way line. Glancy beat the first line of defence before essaying a mazy run to avoid the scrambling defence and score under the posts. Catching his breath the younger of the Glancy’s on the field collect the extras on top.

During the break some choice and honest words were exchanged amongst the squad. This had the effect of creating a surge of energy within the team and improved the commitment of all, so much so that Field looked a different team in the second half. Field’s approach to rucks, mauls and general support play improved dramatically with each player giving their all. This provided quick ball for the backline and, with players now running good support lines off the ball carrier, set Field up for a number of good scoring opportunities. However, Field were unable to convert these in to points even when they camped in Havant’s 22 through numerous phases of play.

Field stuck to their task admirably and continued to batter away at Havant and make decent breaks with players able to offload in tackle to close supporting players, but each time the ball either just slipped out of hand or Havant managed to scramble their defence together. Havant in turn mounted their own attacks but Field made their tackles when needed. The second half ended with play ebbing and flowing up and down the pitch with neither side able to find a breakthrough. In the end the second half honours were shared with the damage having been done by the scores of the first half.

Skipper Kellie commented, “Field can extremely proud about how they came back into the game in the second half after a poor first and every player showed both commitment and awareness in supporting one another and working together as a team. Hopefully we can remember this and replicate the second half showing in future games. We were also pleased to welcome back Wayne Robbins and to welcome Frank Spooner who had his first game for the club today.”