PRESIDENT’S XV 5, Exiles XV 29. It was another cracking Boxing Day match at Petersfield RFC as the Exiles secure a hat-trick of wins in this traditional fixture.

The game is intended to reunite the ‘Exiles’ – those who have moved away from the club – with friends and former team-mates. It also provides a chance for dads to play alongside their sons.

Player numbers were slightly down on last year, but there were still enough to form two teams and allow rolling substitutes. A hard-fought and absorbing contest was played out in front of 100-plus spectators, but unlike the thriller of 2015, the Exiles won the Andy Millar Memorial Trophy by a comfortable margin.

Referee Andrew White politely handled the helpful advice he received and allowed the game to flow. But the casual observer would have been hard pressed to recognise the match as a friendly, such was the commitment on display from both teams.

The Exiles took a 12-0 lead into half-time and scored again within minutes of the restart (17-0).

The ‘home’ side continued to press, but were thwarted by some solid defence. Number 8 Ian Palmer rolled back the years with a masterclass in how to secure useable ball from the base of a retreating scrum.

The Exiles put the result beyond doubt with another try, this one from full-back Charlie Matthews.

The President’s men fought on for pride, with skipper Dan Luff leading from the front, and finally crossed over to break their duck.

Exiles captain Andy Barnes received the trophy – a memorial to the much-missed Andy Millar – from Celia Millar.

l A Petersfield XV will play a Royal Navy President’s XV at Penns Place on Tuesday, January 17. The flood-lit match is in aid of the Royal Navy & Royal Marines charities.