We didn't play that well and still won......

08 Nov 09 Basingstoke 7 v 12 Petersfield

The mood from the team prior to this "friendly" was comfortable
despite numerous personnel playing in unfamiliar positions. Coach
Patience requested to continue the good work from Thursdays training of
aggressive rucking and mauling. Basingstroke were hit hard by Field's
tight five  purpose and of unity in the opening minutes at  the
breakdown. However the scrummaging started become quite poor which
placed novice half back combo of Patience and Hoffman under pressure. 
Basingstoke scored first through poor defence by Field and easily
converted to go 7 nil up. The team of yesteryear would have folded but
these seasoned troops did not crumble and kept going. The forwards drove
the heart of the 'Stoke forwards soon after the restart a maul ensued
Patience fed the to the blind side and the maruarding Bevan dashed over
in the corner. Basingstoke were agrieved as the linesman raised his flag
out of excitement not to indicate a foot in touch.The try was converted.
This score galvanised Petersfield as the backs began to charge into the
valley of death. Jack G and fullback Harvey Belcher threatening and the
"Hazzard" once again had the line begging only to loose the ball over
the line. This was followed by the "Lumajack" hacking through but 
judged to have failed to make goundward pressure. Jack shortly
afterwards was stamped on and to be replaced by Benji Cosway on the wing
and Tuffgun went to the side of the scrum. The battle of the scrum
continued with Stoke having the upper hand right up to half time with
Basingstoke holding onto a slender lead of  7-5.
Basingstoke had a cunning plan to pour pressure on Benji's wing but they
were had very litle possession throughout the second half. After Coach
Patience's rousing words to the scrum Basingstoke began to crumble and
the forwards lead by Sydenham and Shallard driving aggressively with all
the forwards in support created many chances for Field to surge ahead. 
 From a great scrum Sydenham just picked up and drove over the line with
Hoffman added the extra points. Belcher had his sights of scoring soon
after only to have the ball knocked out his grasp. The intensity of
Field's rucking and mauling wore down the tiring Stoke pack and with
pressure kicks from Patience and Hoffman kept the opposition always
running backwards and scrambling to keep possession to the final whistle
where Petersfield 12 Basingstoke 7. The match was won by the courage and
and character of this team well done guys.