FARNBOROUGH 7, PETERSFIELD 30

PETERSFIELD continued their impressive start to the season with a second successive bonus-point win, putting them top of Hampshire 1 by two points.

In their previous two meetings with Farnborough, ’Field had drawn 0-0 at home and lost 31-12 away. But in the six months since the last encounter, Petersfield have gone from plucky losers to what promises to be a real force to be reckoned with.

Apart from his fresh approach, James Alder’s arrival as head coach has freed up predecessor Andy Patience to focus on his beloved pack. The attention is currently paying dividends as the forwards have added a robust, streetwise edge to their loose play, complementing their destructive scrummaging.

Backs coach Charles Hoff has some fresh blood in the shape of new and returning players and there is a real potential for exciting, attacking play. ’Field can hopefully now maintain a constant set of three-quarters. The continual change in manpower last season clearly affected performances.

There was a new bite about Petersfield on Saturday, right from Jay Bremner’s drop-kick to start the match. The first scrum was demolished by ’Field, resulting in a penalty which was coolly slotted over by Painter.

The visitors continued to have the lion’s share of possession and territory, only to lose the ball at the vital moment.

However, midway through the second quarter, ’Field hooked up a move to secure the first try of the game. Returning scrum-half Sean Roberts serviced Bremner from the base of another successful and the stand-off released Tom Franks on a powerful outside-in line, brushing off an attempted tackle to touch down.

Just before half-time, slick movement through the back line delivered the ball to Charlie Matthews. The young right-wing still had plenty to do, but with his confidence growing and his trademark pace, he ghosted home for the try. Painter added the extras and Petersfield turned round with a 15-0 lead.

The start of the second half was a near mirror-image of the first, but with Farnborough this time awarded a penalty. The wind-assisted punt went wide of the mark. Ten minutes later, Painter nailed a kick into the stiff wind to stretch the lead.

Farborough’s young side rallied and after a chip ahead by Harry Brewer, Rohan Gurung won the race for the ball and sent Greg Woods over for a try that was converted by Brewer.

Thereafter, the ’Field defence held firm – even getting back to prevent a second try from an interception – and Gareth MacGillvray bookended the last quarter with tries, the last of which secured the four-try bonus point. Painter kicked one conversion and missed one in the tricky conditions.

In between these scores, Petersfield lost the advantage in the scrum as an injury to the Farnborough front row called for set-pieces to be uncontested.

Petersfield play their first home match this Saturday when Fordingbridge visit Penns Place (ko 3pm). Fordingbridge beat Chineham 69-7 in their earlier league fixture.