'Field's determination seals narrow win
07 Feb 10 Gosport & Fareham Colts 27 v 29 Petersfield Colts (League)
Petersfield Colts travelled to Gosport & Fareham on Sunday with a much-depleted squad. Petersfield understood knew that only a win would maintain their position at the top of Division One and the whole team fought hard to ensure this happened.
Gosport & Fareham deliberately chose a smaller pitch, having suffered a heavy defeat against Petersfield’s expansive rugby earlier in the season and it was clear from the start that they intended to contain Field with robust tackling and driving mauls. Early pressure from Gosport failed to rouse their sleepy visitors and a well-executed drop goal gave them a 3-0 lead.
The first ten minutes of the game saw Petersfield unable to cope with the onslaught and Petersfield gave away a number of penalties through ill discipline around the ruck. A Gosport lineout on Field’s five metre line was caught well and driven over, the subsequent try being converted to give the home team a ten point lead in as many minutes.
From then on Petersfield, as they have on many occasions this season, responded fantastically and fought back through direct attacking, strong running lines and quick handling. The back row of Nick Teeling, Tom Sturgeon and in particular No.8, Aaron Davies worked tirelessly around the park. This first big drive lead to a penalty from Jonny Pryce and then, through powerful running from Ollie Tarbard, who broke two tackles to score close to the posts; a converted try bringing the scores level.
Back in the match, Petersfield started to dominate with the forwards appearing to relish the tough battle up front. Winning a scrum against the head through Cameron Schmidt’s excellent hooking, Captain Alfie Jameson took the ball wide for Miles Rushworth to pick his gap and burst through to score under the posts. This gave the visitors a seven point lead at half time.
The second half started well with some excellent driving runs and superb handling from the backs which put Tarbard in at the corner, only to have his efforts disallowed for a foot in touch. This spurred Gosport on, who once again raised their game and drove hard at the Petersfield line. For once Field’s tackling let them down leaving the hosts to score a converted try under the posts and bring the scores level at 17-17.
It was then Petersfield’s turn to respond with Rushworth picking his spot and breaking the line for a second time to score under the posts and give Pryce the opportunity to convert for seven points, as the lead swung back to the visitors again. Add that to the try the lad scored for the Twos the previous day, and Rushworth had a hat trick for the weekend and is clearly enjoying the more expansive role he’s finding at Penns Place. Gosport responded with their own strong driving play and forced a lineout short of Field’s try line. As expected a strong catch and drive could not be stopped and although the conversion failed, the Ship Hugin had muscled their way over to bring the scores to 22-24.
With the end of the game approaching Gosport threw everything at Petersfield who responded with robust defence, not least through centres Peter Hodgson and Rob Alderman. Field kept their heads under the pressure and this paid off when Gosport, almost inevitably, spilled the ball. The ‘Field backline pounced and, with the aid of prop Tom Belcher, moved the ball wide to Tarbard who started his run in his own twenty-two. Now all credit to Gosport for their tireless efforts, because for the first time anyone could remember Tarbard was actually out-sprinted and caught just short of the line; nevertheless he had the presence of mind to flip the ball up to Stoodley in support who then passed the ball inside to Sturgeon to score in the corner for a 22-29 lead.
Still Gosport didn’t give up and with the last play of the game managed to drive over in the corner once again. Unfortunately for Gosport they were unable to convert and the score ended 27-29. However, you’d have to say that through sheer determination, great handling and the will to fight back, this mostly young Field team deserved their victory, but what an advertisement for Rugby Football as a game.
