PETERSFIELD 0, BOGNOR 41

THIS always looked like being a mismatch, and so it proved. The result put Bognor second in the Hampshire 1 table, level on points with Millbrook, while Petersfield remain lodged in the relegation zone.

’Field battled hard, but could make little impression against a well-drilled side determined to regain the winning habit after losing their previous two games.

Thanks to their pack, the home side gained their fair share of possession and a reasonable slice of territory, but could not execute their moves well enough to get points on the board.

Bognor were somewhat profligate in their attacks and should have scored more but for a lack of clinical finishing, plus a dash of white-line fever.

As they have done for most of the season, the ’Field forwards acquitted themselves well and put in another good scrummaging display. However, when Bognor’s hooker was sidelined early in the last quarter, the scrums became uncontested and Petersfield lost the one area where they looked to have an advantage.

Formidable Welshman Gareth Thomas and skipper Lee Balchin led Bognor’s try-scoring with two apiece.

This week, Petersfield travel to bottom side Locksheath for a re-arranged fixture. ’Field need to beat Locksheath twice to at least avoid the wooden spoon in this division.

’Field 2nd XV’s match at Ryde was called off due to the weather, but the 3rd XV managed to beat Eastleigh III 15-12 at Penns Place.

With nothing much between the teams at half-time, ’Field stepped up the pressure in the second half.

Eventually, Alex Groves – one of two players on loan from the 2nd XV – was put into space on the right and scooted over near the posts. The conversion was missed, keeping the two sides within spitting distance, and Eastleigh fought back manfully to take the lead.

’Field remained calm and returned to the game plan that had kept them in Eastleigh’s half for long periods. With the clock ticking down, the ball was squirreled out to Groves and the big man powered down the wing to score the winning try in the corner.