PETERSFIELD continued their preparations for the new season with a friendly against Alresford at Penns Place.

Having been at a low ebb a few years ago, Alresford have emerged from the doldrums to the extent that they won the Hampshire League 2 title last season, just pipping close rivals Overton.

The fixture had little competitive importance, but was key to getting players back to match fitness and allowing coaches to assess their charges.

The final score of 12-7 to the home side reflected the hit-and-miss nature of the match. For the first half, ’Field looked to have their noses in front, only to be thwarted by Alresford’s solid defence or unforced errors. Predictably, Petersfield’s scrum dominated before changes in personnel enabled the visitors to make it a more even contest.

Petersfield’s back line has exciting potential, but needs more time to gel. When it does, spectators at Penns Place could be in for a feast of running rugby.

The development of the youthful half-back partnership of Michael Robbins and Nick Blumlien will be an interesting watch this season, as will be the eventual shape of the back row. Newcomer Edgar Chekera and the returning Matt Momber putting in eye-catching performances. Momber looks to be in the same mould as Toby Armstrong – a hard-tackling, hard-carrying flanker.

Despite having many absentees, Petersfield were still able to muster a strong squad and that is encouraging as they build up for their return to London 3 South-West. All three senior teams meet their opposite numbers from Bognor RFC at Penns Place in the second friendly fixture this week.

Petersfield will host Teddington in their first league match on September 9.

Penns Place becomes Fiji

PENNS Place became a small part of Fiji when the UK Fijians sevens and ten-a-side tournament returned to Petersfield RFC.

With 20 teams contesting the sevens trophy and four teams entering the tens Masters competition (for players aged 35-plus), there was a feast of high-octane rugby on show, played with 100 per cent commitment.

Eventual winners (and runners-up) Fijian Knights fielded two teams in the sevens, joined in four pools by Nakelo Spartan, RLC Titans, Nausori Black, Naitasiri UK, Tokatoka UK, Nadroga UK, ITC Catterick, Island Vibes, Kadavu Knights, Guards Division, UK Fijians, Lomaiviti, Tako Lavo and Rifle Barbarians.

Fijian Knights were also represented in the Masters event, along with Nadroga UK, Nakelo and Naitasiri – the sides resuming battles that have taken place over decades.

In addition to the hundreds of Fijian relations and friends vociferously supporting their teams, a large local contingent witnessed sport played the way it should be: with heart and soul and the highest level of sporting conduct.

Fijian High Commissioner to the UK, Jitoko Tikolevu, addressed the teams and their supporters at the end of the competition and Hilary Ayre, Petersfield’s deputy mayor, presented the trophies.