PETERSFIELD II 12, WINCHESTER III 17

PETERSFIELD 2nd XV narrowly lost their first match in Hampshire 2, Winchester 3rd XV snatching victory with a late try.

The hosts were quick to apply pressure and Winchester were confined to their own half for the first quarter.

Petersfield finally managed to release their wings and Kieran Gericke managed to dot the ball down in the corner.

The visitors fought their way into the game, employing their forwards to good effect and using their big number 8 to make the hard yards. A try under the posts was converted to give Winchester the lead.

A scrappy period of play followed, with both sides making basic handling errors and spurning opportunities.

Eventually, a gap appeared and Aaron Keast took advantage and ran half the length of the pitch to score and then stick the ball through the posts for the extras.

After half-time, it was evident that Winchester were winning most of the arm-wrestles at the breakdown, although both teams made and then missed chances. Lineouts were not hitting the mark and the handling errors were perhaps indicative of it being the first league match of the season.

A committed performance from the Reds resulted in three injuries and Winchester took advantage to draw level. Petersfield valiantly held up a certain try under the posts, but a yellow card left them further depleted and Winchester went ahead for the first time.

’Field pressed hard at the death, but knock-ons and a penalty helped Winchester see the game out.

Former colt Rob Wands was Petersfield’s man of the match.

• Petersfield Colts kicked of the new season with a new team as the U17s and U18s combined for the first time in a comprehensive 69-0 win over Fareham Heathens.

In near-perfect conditions, Petersfield ran in 13 unanswered tries against a Heathens side who, to their credit, never gave up. Try-scorers: Mackay (2), Janku, Davey (2), Colwood (2), Knowles, Tribe (2), Land, Constable, Carroll.