PETERSFIELD RFC hosted the Hampshire County Tournament for under-11s and under-12s on Sunday. With over 500 players taking part in glorious sunshine at Penns Place, the stage was set for an excellent tournament.
The Petersfield U/12s, coached by Ian Holloway, played their best rugby of the season to reach the County Shield final for the first time. Drawn with New Milton, Guernsey and second seeds Tottonians, 'Field were expected to come second in their group.
They started slowly against New Milton, but tries by Seb Pont and Jonathan Pryce, plus two conversions by Pryce, gave 'Field a 14-0 victory.
Petersfield improved against Guernsey as the forwards and backs combined to play a more flowing game. Centres Michael Carey Barton (2 tries) and Aimee Holloway (1) proved too strong for the opposition, with Pryce landing two conversions to clinch a 19-0 victory.
The match to decide the group pitched 'Field against Tottonians, whom they had never beaten. But Petersfield dominated, with Charlie Attwood providing an excellent link between pack and backs. An early try from Michael Carey Barton, converted by Pryce, was quickly followed by two more. Pryce converted his own try and Barton struck once again, with Pryce converting, to clinch a 21-0 victory.
Petersfield finished their group without conceding a try, and credit goes to the forwards, Tom Greenman, Robert Luff, Kieran Binks, James Graham and Tom Bate, who provided a stout line of defence.
Petersfield maintained this clean sheet in the quarter-final against Romsey as first Aimee Holloway and then Jonathan Pryce scored tries. Pryce converted both as a 14-0 victory clinched a place in the semi-final against Tottonians.
Tottonians were all fired up and, within three minutes, 'Field had conceded their first points. Tottonians tried to extend their 7-0 lead, but excellent defensive work by Holmes, Tremlett and Cotton kept them pegged back. On the stroke of half-time, Petersfield responded when Aimee Holloway crashed over in the corner, and Pryce's conversion levelled the scores.
In a tight second half, 'Field raised their game and Holloway drew four defenders before releasing Barton who again went over in the corner. Pryce converted to give Petersfield a 14-7 victory and a place in the final, where they met Vectis (Isle of Wight) who had beaten defending champions Havant in their semi-final.
In a forward dominated battle, Vectis' support play proved to be the deciding factor. The teams turned round at 0-0, but the Vectis forwards took control in the second half and 'Field struggled to contend with a team who recycled ball very quickly. Two converted second-half tries clinched victory for Vectis and Petersfield, who had performed superbly all day, had to be content with runners-up spot.
Petersfield squad: Tom Greenman, Tom Bate, Michael Carey Barton, Aimee Holloway, Jonathan Pryce, Michael Downes, James Graham, Robert Luff, Tom Tremlett, Seb Pont, Matthew Holmes, Charlie Attwood, Kieran Binks, Joe Cotton, Alex Tibbs. Coach Ian Holloway.
A valiant campaign by Petersfield U/11s was thwarted in the semi-finals. They stormed into the last four without conceding a try in the group stages, and then put in a dominant display against Trojans in the quarter-finals, coming out 26-5 winners. They finally bowed out to Winchester 'A', but the Petersfield squad put in 110 per cent effort and the 14-0 scoreline did not really reflect the balance of play. Throughout the day, Petersfield were strong in the scrum and at rucks and mauls, and their handling was swift and skilful.
Try of the day went to Charlie Willans and player of the tournament was Will Spencer.
Petersfield results: bt Gosport & Fareham 22-0; bt Alton 19-0; bt Overton 14-0; QF - beat Trojans 26-5; SF - lost to Winchester 'A' 0-14.
Petersfield squad: Golding, Cooke, Pantry, Cosway, Tripp (5 cons), Atkinson (5 tries), Stoodley (2 tries), Pryce, Robinson (2 tries), Mitchell, Watton (1 try), Willans (2 tries), Spencer (1 try, 3 cons), Evan-Cook, Brett.
Youth chairman Steve Downes paid tribute to the volunteers who had given their time to prepare and run a very successful tournament.