FAREHAM HEATHENS 8, PETERSFIELD 31

PETERSFIELD put October’s run of defeats behind them with two wins on the bounce at the start of November.

Saturday’s match at Fareham Heathens looked to present a stiffer challenge for the reds than the 50-10 romp they enjoyed against Ventnor in their last league match.

Going into the game, ’Field were second in Hampshire 1 and Heathens fifth. But with only three points between second and sixth place, and the chasing pack all having a game in hand, the pressure was on Petersfield to deliver.

Storm Angus brought heavy rain for the start of the game, but it failed to dampen the visitors’ spirit and desire for a positive start as they regained the ball from the kick-off and pushed forward in attack.

It earned them an early penalty as Heathens infringed at the scrum, but Josh Haslett’s kick was just wide in the awful conditions.

Undeterred, ’Field kept probing and pushing and it was not long before they scored the first of their five tries. Back row Toby Sydenham, benefitting from the pack’s dominance in a driving maul, crossed over for an unconverted try.

The forwards’ mastery of the scrums kept Petersfield on the front foot and the possession provided the backs with clean ball.

It was this strong forward platform that enabled ’Field to score again, Tom Franks completing the move with a trademark powerful run. Haslett landed the conversion and it was 12-0.

’Field continued to push Heathens back, but failed to capitalise due to some poor decision-making. The hosts, meanwhile, made the most of their few chances and scored from a penalty.

The visitors responded with a wonderful move for their third try, the ball passing rapidly from one side to the other before Gareth Macgillivray finished emphatically in the corner. The conversion was missed, but ’Field went into the break with a healthy 14-point lead.

Fareham stepped up the pace at the start of the second half, gaining confidence from Petersfield’s unusual lack of aggression in the rucks.

It was not until late in the third quarter that the visitors shook off their torpor and played to their strengths. That man Franks scored his second try of the game and secured the bonus point. Haslett slotted the conversion and ’Field had effectively sealed the victory.

The valiant Heathens kept plugging away and made it into the ’Field 22, but the reds defended manfully on their own line. After ten phases had been withstood, Fraser Patience was shown yellow for an infringement at the breakdown and Heathens took advantage to score their lone try.

With the rain starting again, some powerful runs from the forwards earned ’Field their their fifth try, Gareth Crane finishing off under the sticks to present Haslett with an easy conversion.

This was to be the last score of the game as the teams swapped penalties in the fight for territory, without success.

The win should give Petersfield a huge psychological boost, especially as their recent history against Heathens has been less than stellar.

Petersfield’s man of the match was two-try Tom Franks, with scrum-half Meesh Robins and the entire pack also mentioned in despatches.

Petersfield are back home this week for a meeting with Romsey (3pm). Also on the bill at Penns Place is ’Field 2nd XV versus Winchester 3rd XV (2.15pm).