Muddy 'Field in Midhurst
06 Feb 10 Midhurst 17 v 51 Petersfield 2s
Petersfield second team travelled to neighbouring rivals, Midhurst, with a mixture of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd team players. The enormity of this local derby was obvious from the size of the crowds that flocked to support their respective teams.
The game took a scrappy start, with both teams committing basic errors. With an arguably over-confident away side not performing to their full potential, the hosts were able to draw first blood through full-back Toby Stoner, easily getting the better of an ageing Derek Eldridge, with the youngster proving that age is not merely a number.
Reacting to this as a wake-up call, ‘Field hit back instantly through Neil Arnold, who, after delicate footwork and impressive upper-body strength from Sam Wilks to make an almost impossible break, was able to stroll over the line for the visitors first score. Kicking boots were clearly left at home by fly-half Rhys Purchase, who was unable to add the extras.
Neither side showed much sign of taking control, with more errors proving a prominent part of the game. It was Midhurst, though, who, once again through full-back Stoner, were able to scramble their way through the Petersfield defence to touch down in the corner, this time with their kicker adding the extras.
In an almost repeat performance, though, colt Miles Rushworth, who made an impressive debut into senior rugby, shrugged off defence to sprint for the try line. Purchase, one again, not able to convert, even from in front of the posts.
‘Field now changed up a gear, assuming control of the game. Another nimble-footed break from Vice-Captain Sam Wilks, led to a breakdown, where the agile and ever-present Captain, Matt Doe, showed inventiveness, with a delicate chip off of the ground, over the full back only for the ball to bounce into the path of Purchase. The fly-half again scuffed a kick along the ground, but Doe was able to gather and slide over the line to put ‘Field into the lead. The try was unconverted...
At half time, Doe and Wilks decided it was time for 1st team skipper, Ian Palmer, who self-admittadly, was “not playing his best”, to make way for the experienced Derrick White, realising that the scrum needed some stablising. With this, the game flowed into a constant show of pressure from ‘Field, who were soon turning this pressure into points. Tries from Gareth Crane, Gerald Waterfall, “The Hoff”, and Matt Tomkins, sealed the game, with Midhurst only delivering one late score in reply.
Captain Doe after the game, “Although we won 51-17, there is still a lot of work to be done, as we made it an incredibly hard game for ourselves. But special mentions must go to Matt Tomkins, who picked up this weeks man of the match.”
Wilks added, “It was a good result, but attention must be paid towards our defence, which was uncertain at times. Lots to work on next week!”
Tries: Neil Arnold
Miles Rushworth
Matt Doe
Gareth Crane (2)
Gerald Waterfall (2)
Charlie Hoff
Matt Tomkins
Cons: Doe(2)
Waterfall
Credit must go to Matt Doe and Sam Wilks for writing such an an accurate match report. They would love your feedback, click here
