O WELLINGTONIANS 45

PETERSFIELD 6

 

WINLESS Petersfield travelled to south-west London to face one of two undefeated teams in rugby's London SW4 with a squad much changed from the previous week.

Determination was not enough to save Petersfield from a heavy defeat as Old Wellingtonians notched up their sixth successive win.

With the wind behind them, Petersfield started strongly, with some excellent offensive defence from centres Joe Welch and Derek Eldridge and wing George Saunders. 

This good early pressure stopped Wellingtonians from playing their favoured open game and, indeed, the home side were pressured into mistakes.

So determined was 'Field's early effort that the OW second row was heard to remark, "We're going to have to increase our efforts, this lot aren't going down without a fight."

But it was Wellingtonians who broke the deadlock. Having made good ground following a couple of missed first-up tackles, they eventually had the numbers out wide to go over for an unconverted try.

However, the home team's frustration showed as they conceded a number of penalties and one was eventually in range for full-back Alex Doe to kick Petersfield's first points in three and a half games.

OW replied with a second unconverted try, only to infringe straight after the restart, giving Doe the chance to kick a second penalty with equal aplomb. 

Several strong runs, notably from George Saunders and Alex Eastman, took 'Field close to the try-line, but the home defence resisted the onslaught and cleared their lines.

OW kicked a penalty of their own and took a handy 13-6 lead into half-time. 

Petersfield's aggressive defensive display had claimed its casualties.  Eastman was replaced by Matt Doe after injuring his ankle and Mike Williams had to leave the field with a badly torn ear, which later required stitches.

The second half thus began with coach Tony Barnes lacking fresh legs on the bench and soon  Ben Winter, who had been strong in the lineout, aggravated an old ankle injury, bringing Mat Hartwig into the fray. 

OW used the wind to pin 'Field back in their own half and another try for the home side resulted in another injury, a broken nose in the tackle ending Alex Doe's game and sending him to hospital as well.

Wellingtonians broke loose against 14 men and used the natural overlap to their advantage, running tries in at regular intervals.  Petersfield's determination was still in evidence, but the earlier exertions began to take a toll and several players picked up knocks.

Petersfield face leaders Weybridge Vandals at Penns Place this Saturday and will no doubt field another much-changed XV.  Even more determination and application needed.