PETERSFIELD 40, BASINGSTOKE 0

AS Petersfield know from their own modest history, form can be transient at the lower levels of rugby union.

While ’Field, with their small catchment area, are currently attempting to build a firm foundation for a stay in the London leagues, Basingstoke, their opponents on Saturday, already seem destined for a return to the county divisions.

Only four seasons ago, Basingstoke were flying high in National League 3, only to drop back to their regular haunt – London South – and then continue falling. After this result, they prop up London 3SW with one point from nine matches.

Games are not won on paper, though, and Petersfield knew they would have to do more than just turn up to beat the visitors.

Also, after a run of three straight losses, ’Field were feeling pressure of their own.

However, coach James Alder has been adamant that a big win was around the corner if his side could put together a consistent performance.

Basingstoke were not the big scalp Alder was alluding to, but the win gave notice that ’Field are becoming a force. They are one of only three teams so far to have denied ’Stoke a score.

Just four minutes in, young stand-off Nick Blumlein sent a sublime cross-field chip to Eddie Matthews and the right wing passed back inside for full-back Jay Bremner to cover the last few yards for a try that was converted by Blumlein.

Rather than open the floodgates, the early score resulted in something of an arm-wrestle as the teams worked up and down the pitch. Both lost players to the sin-bin and, while their opponents were depleted, ’Field added further tries through centre Tom Franks and Matthews. Blumlein converted one and it was 19-0 at the break.

Within two minutes of the kick-off, Blumlein again chipped cross-field, this time to the left, and Joshh Haslett gathered under pressure near the line before barrelling over. Blumlein converted from near the touch-line.

The Blumlein-Matthews-Bremner triumvirate struck again at the start of the final quarter. This time, Bremner towered above his opposite number before sending Matthews over for his second try. Blumlein added the extras.

Four minutes later and it was almost déjà vu as Blumlein kicked a penalty to touch. The covering defender slipped and speedster Matthews picked up the gift and crossed over for his hat-trick.

Both teams tested the referee’s patience to breaking point in the last 15 minutes and no less than four yellows were issued, two apiece.

“We tried to play fast, open and positive rugby and that was evidenced by our six tries,” said coach Alder. “However, we are also developing our skill-set to play a tight, forward-dominated game.”

• Originally scheduled to play Trojans in both cup and league over the next fortnight, the clubs have agreed to roll the games into a ‘double header’ at Penns Place on November 25.

Petersfield know they will be in a battle against fourth-placed Trojans and it is not one they intend to shy away from.