PETERSFIELD 36, NEW MILTON 20

THIS was always going to a tense affair, Petersfield having pipped New Milton to the Hampshire 1 title and automatic promotion last season.

Like ’Field, the New Forest side had started their London 3 SW season with a win and a loss, and both teams were suffering the effect of injuries, with the hosts missing eight senior players.

After a scrappy start, Petersfield drew first blood with a penalty from the trusty boot of stand-off Nick Blumlein.

As they did throughout the match, New Milton pressed ’Field hard and while not often threatening the line, had a fair share of territory and possession.

However, a poorly considered pass led to Petersfield’s next score. Left-wing Joshh Haslett intercepted and sprinted from his own 22 to score under the posts, Blumlein adding the extras.

As the first quarter ended, ’Field took a commanding 17-0 lead with a trademark bullocking run by centre Tom Franks. The hirsute try-machine finished under the posts to leave another easy conversion for Blumlein.

Pressured, yet not under pressure, Petersfield were in the driving seat until poor decision-making and loose tackling allowed New Milton into the game, Brendan Treacey scoring in the corner after a backs’ move. Lacking a kicker of Blumlein’s competence, New Milton missed the first of four conversion attempts.

The Reds finished the half on the front foot as flanker Chris Ellis fielded a wayward cross-field kick before haring down the wing. After exchanging passes with Franks, Ellis finished the move he had started to reach over the line for the bonus-point try. Blumlein just missed the conversion from out wide and ’Field went into the break with a 22-5 lead.

At the start of the second half, New Milton cleverly slowed the ball at the breakdown and this time it was the visitors who scored first when they chose to run a penalty and Ryan Morrell crossed over.

Five minutes later, riding a knock-on advantage, ’Field ripped into the Milton defence and Blumlein, sidestepping a cover-tackle, released Franks for an easy run-in.

Blumlien slotted the conversion, but Petersfield lost influential lock Franko Tomic to the sin-bin and now found themselves under pressure at every phase of play against big and strong opponents.

However, they held New Milton off and even added to their lead when Joe Heath finished off a series of smart recycling moves. Blumlein kicked a superb conversion to complete Petersfield’s points tally.

With injuries mounting once more, ’Field slipped off the pace in the final minutes and New Milton made the score more respectable with tries from Morrell and Sam Bew.

The players were on the pitch for 47 minutes in the first half and 54 minutes in the second. If matches are to continue in this vein, stamina will be key to Petersfield’s season.

Petersfield travel to old rivals Portsmouth this Saturday.