PETERSFIELD were without a 1st XV fixture last Saturday, but with four teams playing and four wins, it was an excellent weekend for the club.

After a lean few years for the senior section, numbers have been growing and with them a burgeoning comradeship and team spirit. The supportive atmosphere, allied with the team managers’ hard work, has attracted new members, including some who have never played the game before.

Petersfield are nearing the point where a regular 4th XV can be run without weakening the other teams. Last weekend was a case in point as, with the first team taking a break from the league, the club pooled its resources to put out four virtually independent teams across Friday night and Saturday afternoon.

The veterans kicked off the weekend with a floodlit match against old rivals Alton. ’Field vets, a resurgent force, won 29-5 to maintain their 100 per cent record.

On Saturday, the 3rd XV travelled to Eastleigh for the club’s only league fixture of the weekend, Ryde having conceded their scheduled fixture to the 2nd XV. Petersfield won 24-0 and a third victory in four games puts them second behind Andover III in Hampshire North.

The 2nd XV played a hastily arranged friendly against Portsmouth IV and came through 15-0 winners in horrendous conditions at Penns Place.

’Field 4th XV also graced Penns Place in a match against Fareham Heathens II. The second half proved more profitable for the fourths as they powered to a 27-5 win.

Petersfield 1st XI return to Hampshire 1 action with a trip to the Isle of Wight this Saturday.

Petersfield U14s reached the next round of the Hampshire Cup with a nailbiting 26-24 victory away to Trojans. Trailing 0-12 early on, ’Field were inspired by a try from skipper Keohane, expertly converted by Kay. A fine kick-and-chase try by centre Smith levelled the scores.

Trojans regained the lead, only for Smith to score an interception try under the posts. Kay converted and the sides were level at half-time.

Greenwood also scored under the sticks in the second half, with Kay converting, but Trojans were still dangerous and full-back Knowles put in a couple of try-saving tackles. Trojans finally touched down in the corner, but crucially missed the conversion. Petersfield played out the last three minutes in Trojans’ half to secure the win after a tremendous squad effort.

Petersfield Colts lost 42-7 in a friendly at Eastleigh.