PETERSFIELD RFC BEATS THE FREEZE

Although the big freeze made all sport impossible this weekend,  

nothing was going to deter the Rugby Club from its pre-Christmas  

 pre-match luncheon. So whilst others crept round the souks and  

bazaars for unneeded extra presents, eighty plus guests and  

supporters met as usual at Penns Place for the traditional pre- 

match sportsman lunch in good cheer and settled down to enjoy five  

hours of Heineken European Cup Rugby on the big screens in the  

clubhouse. The pictures in the Petersfield Post by staff  

photographer David Garvey, show the happy throng non-plussed by the  

semi-Arctic conditions.

During the afternoon, PRFC President Paul Martin took the  

opportunity to thank David for the excellent photography he  

provides week on week for the club and, indeed, for all sport in  

the area. Paul said “Whilst PRFC works hard to produce good copy  

for the local newspapers, what makes the difference to the reports  

is the supply of some the best action photographs in the South and  

the help and support of David in providing these.” Greeted with a  

huge cheer, the club happily presented David with a seasonal token  

of their thanks. Whatever the weather in two weeks time,  

Petersfield RFC know that he’ll be at Penns Place practicing his  

craft to his usual high standard.

With vital league game against local rivals Alton now rescheduled  

by the Union for Saturday 2 January, the call is out for ALL  

PLAYERS to be available for light training at Penns Place on the  

next two Tuesdays. Colts manager Siegfried Golding also reminds all  

the Colts that they are planning to train on 29 Dec in preparation  

for the Hampshire U17/18 cup Quarter Final on 3 January.  If the  

pitches are still frost bound, alternative indoor training is  

hopefully being arranged, but unless otherwise advised, players and  

coaches should be at the Penns Place clubhouse as usual.

This also means the Boxing Day game is still on and in some  

respects gains more significance, giving players the opportunity to  

run off those extra mince pies consumed last weekend. Just to  

remind all – players and supporters, this complete remedy to  

Christmas surfeit is very simple. The meet is still 11.30 a.m for a  

12 p.m (noon) kick-off and all the usual club facilities will be  

open for the Penns Place traditional Christmas party.

The “home” team is being run this year by club skipper Ian Palmer  

and 1st XVer Andy Barnes, who, rumour has it, has been seen  

training, and they’ll stumble out onto the pitch to meet a squad of  

prodigals, pulled together by Alex Doe and George Stewart.

 The ten-day weather forecast looks promising, the game goes on as  

long as the two teams can stand it and it’s a wonderful way to run  

off the fattened goose and pud. The contact numbers are given  

below, but if there are any newcomers, casual visitors or  

travellers who would enjoy a run-out, just turn up with the your  

boots. Everyone welcome and a Happy Christmas to all.

Andy Millar

Contacts for players;

Ian Palmer (Chubby) – 07742 250 918

Alex Doe – 07920 055 439

George Stewart – 07858 314 233

Or call the clubhouse: 01730 264 588