ROMSEY 6, PETERSFIELD 22

PETERSFIELD secured the win that moved them ever closer to promotion, but the most significant result of the day came 32 miles away on the Isle of Wight where leaders New Milton suffered a shock 38-8 defeat to Sandown & Shanklin.

For some weeks now, ’Field have known that the only hope they had of taking the Hampshire 1 title was for New Milton to slip up. Now it has happened and the Penns Place side are top of the table.

Milton are second on points difference and have a game in hand, but there is now the realistic scenario of New Milton and Petersfield battling it out for the league title on the last day of the season, April 8.

In their penultimate fixture on March 25, Petersfield host bottom side Chineham and a victory will seal their promotion back to the London leagues.

’Field last competed as a London 3SW side in the 2010-11 season when they finished ninth out of 12 clubs, only to suffer a cruel relegation due to a league restructuring.

On Saturday, Petersfield concentrated on securing a bonus-point win at Romsey.

It took them a while to get going against their third-from-bottom opponents and, at times, the extra point looked out of reach.

The reds started brightly enough and the increasingly impressive young lock, Ryan Morse, finished a series of forward-powered phases by crashing over after just five minutes.

However, despite having the bulk of territory and possession, ’Field failed to add to their tally until five minutes before half-time when Eddie Matthews scored two unconverted tries in quick succession to propel his side into a 17-0 lead.

The quicksilver wing was on hand to take advantage of a barnstorming run by Kieran Gericke, who was finally felled half a metre from the line. It was a simple job for Matthews to pick up and pop the ball down over the line.

Minutes later, the dominant Petersfield scrum set the platform for the backs to attack and straight running and sensible passing set Matthews up for his second try.

As the clock ticked down, the visitors were penalised for crossing and Romsey cut the deficit to 14 points.

The second half continued in much the same vein, with Romsey gaining a greater share of possession, but play taking place between the 22s.

Late in the third quarter, powerful front-rower Sam Brown dropped the ball agonisingly short of the line due to the attention of two defenders.

Petersfield continued to press and, minutes later, had their bonus point. Flanker Chris Ellis appeared on the left wing to punch his way over the line from ten metres out. Josh Haslett’s conversion attempt this time bounced back off the upright.

The scrappy play continued until the end, with Romsey kicking a second consolation penalty.

’Field coach James Alder had mixed feelings about his side’s 15th victory out of 18 matches. “We didn’t get most of the points on offer, but the pack was once again very strong in the scrums and were perhaps unlucky not to get more from the referee. We still have lots of work to do to cement our position in the league.”

Petersfield made Sam Brown their man of the match.

* New Milton play their outstanding fixture this Saturday and if Fareham Heathens also pull off an upset, it will be a shoot-out between ’Field and Milton on April 8.

* Ellingham Colts 14, Petersfield Colts 15. ’Field Colts caused premature ageing amongst their coaches and supporters as they twice came from behind to pip Ellingham in this league match. Ellingham loaned the visitors a player in each half to make up the numbers.