THE 20th annual Petersfield RFC Pub Sevens was again organised impeccably by club chairman and local businessman Stuart Barden, with The Trooper Inn continuing their sponsorship.

After last year’s record 28 squads, 21 teams turned out at Penns Place this time, representing pubs and restaurants across the area. Most of the teams plundered PRFC’s growing senior squad, as well as the table-topping Colts.

The several new sides included Coomray’s 7s, Hampshire Hog, Hawaii-Try-O, Irvings Breweries/Portsmouth Penguins, Lokomotiv Lavenders, two teams from the Spotted Cow and The Cricketers, while old regulars included The George, Folly Wine Bar, The Black Sheep and Annie Jones.

Sheet had a strong showing, with The Queens Head making it through to the semi-finals, while quarter-finalists Flying Bull flew the flag for Rake.

With 300-plus players and a greater number of supporters, plus hospitality tents and competing sound-systems, Penns Place was a swarming hive of buzzing activity, and, of course, there was some wonderful rugby as well.

The field was wide open for some new names on the Cup, Plate and Bowl. With the quarter and semi-finals taking place simultaneously across the ground, it was not until the finals in front of the clubhouse that spectators could focus their attention in one area.

Woody’s Bar beat first-timers Irvings Brewery in the Bowl final, and then Lokomotiv Lavender lifted the Plate by defeating Coxy’s Windmill Inn.

Annie Jones, last year’s Cup runners-up, had the hopes of Petersfield riding on them and they went one better by beating Southsea side White Horse in a full-blooded encounter.

White Horse were not helped by a yellow card and Annie Jones struck on the break in the second half to devastating effect, running out 45-19 winners.

Stuart Barden praised all the competitors and referees and he thanked Hassan and Sarah Mantini of The Trooper Inn for their support.

Hassan and Sarah then presented the trophies to the winners and runners-up.