Confident win seals a date with destiny.
14 Nov 09 Petersfield Vet's 24 v 5 Basingstoke Vet's
Near gale force winds throughout this Hampshire Veterans Cup semi-final clash couldn’t stifle the enthusiasm and determination of these two sides who came to play some good rugby rather than put boot to ball all the time or resort to a dull arm wrestling match between the forwards. As a result those hardy souls who chose to stand on the touchline at Penns Place rather than waste £100 plus at Twickenham were rewarded with an enthralling and entertaining game.
Electing to play with the wind behind them in the first half, the home team had difficulty gauging the wind early on and a series of knock ons and some poor execution resulted in a period of unnecessary early pressure. Basingstoke pushed hard through their well drilled forwards and were gaining the initiative at the breakdown but after some stout defence Petersfield won a penalty and were able to work their way out of their own 22 for the first time and head down field. Following a series of successful rucks the ball went through the hands to Eldridge who after dazzling the opposition with footwork that wouldn’t go a miss on Strictly Come Dancing switched with winger Boyd who crossed over despite the attention of some strong cover defence.
Although the visitors back line never truly threatened to breach the Filed defences the well drilled pack were always a threat with ball in hand from the set piece and they were quick to respond. Reasserting their early pressure, the Basingstoke forwards secured their own ball from the scum and the rampaging number 8 picked and drove deep into Field territory, some excellent support and good handling saw them get their just rewards crossing in the corner to level the scores.
Making his return at fly half after a lengthy absence to top up his fake tan and get a cheeky rub down by the charming club physio, an action contrary to the ethics of Veteran Rugby and for which he was duly fined, Stubbington slipped back easily into this pivotal role and was soon linking well with that old combination of Holden and Eldridge in the centres. Some say it was the wind causing the spectators eyes to water but your erstwhile scribe believes that they were tears of nostalgia as the centre pairing ran moves that drew comparison to that great Kiwi combo of Little and Bunce. Whatever it was the tears didn’t stop them witnessing some slick inter play and a tidy little offload from Eldridge to put Campbell in for a score near the posts for a converted try.
Very aware that getting points on the board whilst the wind was in their favour was a must the home side continued to apply pressure to the visitors. A penalty kick to touch gave the forwards the platform they needed to set up the final try of the half. A text book catch and drive by Smith at the lineout edged Field nearer to the Basingstoke goal line and after a couple of pick and goes the pressure told on the opposition back row who were finally pinged for sealing off the ball at the ruck. The crowed could sense blood and the chant of “Cuffy- Cuffy” was ringing around the ground as the home side opted to take the tap penalty. Not wishing to let this fan base down Fields very own raging bull took the pass from the pivot and crashed towards the line only to be stropped short by some exceptionally brave defence. The ball was quickly re-cycled and in true sniping back row style up popped the Lord Hipsey, fresh from hunting serfs on his stately manor, to dive over to score.
As the sides turned around at half time Petersfield looked pretty comfortable but with the strong wind behind them the opposition now had the chance to pin the home team deep in their own territory. Knowing that possession was going to be key and braced for the likely kicking onslaught if they gave Basingstoke too much ball Petersfield, and particularly the back row, stepped up the work rate wining the battle in the loose and starving the visitors of the good clean ball they needed.
Although never deteriorating into the arm wrestle forecast by some, the second half became a much tighter affair but the home side always looked the more likely to score and increase their lead. An excellent driving maul saw the field pack penetrate deep into the Basingstoke half, as the momentum dropped off the ball came out to the hard running Dyer to carry the ball further on towards the Basingstoke line. As they had done this entire half the pack got to the contact area quickly and once again recycled the ball. White line fever beckoned and despite the clamouring of the backs to release the ball wide the forwards continued to drive onwards forcing yet another penalty. The pivot was set and Cuffy was unleashed a second time but yet again he was held up short, those Basingstoke boys must have had 4 shredded wheat for breakfast, however this time the ball did go wide and some outstanding work by Holden created a two on one for Boyd to go in at the corner for his second try of the day.
The final whistle came and Petersfield were able to celebrate their well deserved win. They now face Havant Mariners, who thumped Southampton 41-0, in the final on 5 December to be played at the Hooks Lane ground. Now there is a final that makes the mouth water in anticipation.
Confident win seals a date with destiny.
14 Nov 09 Petersfield Vet's 24 v 5 Basingstoke Vet's
Near gale force winds throughout this Hampshire Veterans Cup semi-final clash couldn’t stifle the enthusiasm and determination of these two sides who came to play some good rugby rather than put boot to ball all the time or resort to a dull arm wrestling match between the forwards. As a result those hardy souls who chose to stand on the touchline at Penns Place rather than waste £100 plus at Twickenham were rewarded with an enthralling and entertaining game.
Electing to play with the wind behind them in the first half, the home team had difficulty gauging the wind early on and a series of knock ons and some poor execution resulted in a period of unnecessary early pressure. Basingstoke pushed hard through their well drilled forwards and were gaining the initiative at the breakdown but after some stout defence Petersfield won a penalty and were able to work their way out of their own 22 for the first time and head down field. Following a series of successful rucks the ball went through the hands to Eldridge who after dazzling the opposition with footwork that wouldn’t go a miss on Strictly Come Dancing switched with winger Boyd who crossed over despite the attention of some strong cover defence.
Although the visitors back line never truly threatened to breach the Filed defences the well drilled pack were always a threat with ball in hand from the set piece and they were quick to respond. Reasserting their early pressure, the Basingstoke forwards secured their own ball from the scum and the rampaging number 8 picked and drove deep into Field territory, some excellent support and good handling saw them get their just rewards crossing in the corner to level the scores.
Making his return at fly half after a lengthy absence to top up his fake tan and get a cheeky rub down by the charming club physio, an action contrary to the ethics of Veteran Rugby and for which he was duly fined, Stubbington slipped back easily into this pivotal role and was soon linking well with that old combination of Holden and Eldridge in the centres. Some say it was the wind causing the spectators eyes to water but your erstwhile scribe believes that they were tears of nostalgia as the centre pairing ran moves that drew comparison to that great Kiwi combo of Little and Bunce. Whatever it was the tears didn’t stop them witnessing some slick inter play and a tidy little offload from Eldridge to put Campbell in for a score near the posts for a converted try.
Very aware that getting points on the board whilst the wind was in their favour was a must the home side continued to apply pressure to the visitors. A penalty kick to touch gave the forwards the platform they needed to set up the final try of the half. A text book catch and drive by Smith at the lineout edged Field nearer to the Basingstoke goal line and after a couple of pick and goes the pressure told on the opposition back row who were finally pinged for sealing off the ball at the ruck. The crowed could sense blood and the chant of “Cuffy- Cuffy” was ringing around the ground as the home side opted to take the tap penalty. Not wishing to let this fan base down Fields very own raging bull took the pass from the pivot and crashed towards the line only to be stropped short by some exceptionally brave defence. The ball was quickly re-cycled and in true sniping back row style up popped the Lord Hipsey, fresh from hunting serfs on his stately manor, to dive over to score.
As the sides turned around at half time Petersfield looked pretty comfortable but with the strong wind behind them the opposition now had the chance to pin the home team deep in their own territory. Knowing that possession was going to be key and braced for the likely kicking onslaught if they gave Basingstoke too much ball Petersfield, and particularly the back row, stepped up the work rate wining the battle in the loose and starving the visitors of the good clean ball they needed.
Although never deteriorating into the arm wrestle forecast by some, the second half became a much tighter affair but the home side always looked the more likely to score and increase their lead. An excellent driving maul saw the field pack penetrate deep into the Basingstoke half, as the momentum dropped off the ball came out to the hard running Dyer to carry the ball further on towards the Basingstoke line. As they had done this entire half the pack got to the contact area quickly and once again recycled the ball. White line fever beckoned and despite the clamouring of the backs to release the ball wide the forwards continued to drive onwards forcing yet another penalty. The pivot was set and Cuffy was unleashed a second time but yet again he was held up short, those Basingstoke boys must have had 4 shredded wheat for breakfast, however this time the ball did go wide and some outstanding work by Holden created a two on one for Boyd to go in at the corner for his second try of the day.
The final whistle came and Petersfield were able to celebrate their well deserved win. They now face Havant Mariners, who thumped Southampton 41-0, in the final on 5 December to be played at the Hooks Lane ground. Now there is a final that makes the mouth water in anticipation.
