PETERSFIELD 15, ISLE OF WIGHT 12

A REVENGE victory over Isle of Wight strengthened Petersfield’s chances of beating the drop in Hampshire 1.

With a game in hand, ’Field now trail Ellingham by just two points and with basement side Locksheath all but relegated, the second-from-bottom slot looks to be between these two clubs.

Petersfield salvaged some pride after their nearly 50-point drubbing on the island in November.

’Field dominated the scrums, as they have done in most matches this season. Opposition props must have nightmares about the deadly duo of loose-head Sam Brown and tight-head Dan Luff. Ably supported by hooker Jamie Williams, the front row again ensured their Island counterparts would have a sleepless night.

Second-row regulars Alex Patience and Mark Butcher made up the tight five, while captain Gareth Crane and Ben Hooper were supported in the back row by Harley Orr.

Orr may not have been able to repeat his try-scoring exploits earlier in the season with the 2nd XV, but the big lad certainly puts in a shift around the park.

Such was the effectiveness of their pack, Petersfield must have been tempted to play a nine-man game and wrestle the visitors off the park. But ’Field remain committed to running rugby and all three of their tries were scored by the backs: one to Eddie Matthews, playing out of position at scrum-half, and two to left-wing Frazer Patience.

Matthews scored from a quickly-taken penalty after just ten minutes, but it wasn’t long before the old millstone of inaccurate execution began to drag the home side down. By the end of the first quarter, the islanders were camped in the home half and seven points ahead, thanks to two tries, one converted.

Petersfield set off with a will in the second half and forced the visitors backwards, without turning pressure into points.

The turning-point came midway through the third quarter when the IoW tight-head was sin-binned. The home side immediately took advantage and slick passing found Patience on the overlap and crossing over for an unconverted try.

Now just two points adrift, ’Field kept up the momentum and finally, deep into the last quarter, Patience again outpaced the island defence on the left to score his second try.

Petersfield, not used to managing the clock, almost coughed up their lead by squandering possession. However, IoW’s desire to score a winning try, rather than draw with a penalty, proved their downfall. Petersfield’s defence forced a penalty of their own, enabling them to boot the ball into touch and end the game.

A good result at Farnborough on March 19 could see ’Field rise from the position they have inhabited for most of the season.