Tight win for 2nd XV
30 Jan 10 Petersfield 2s 19 v 12 Trojans 2s
Tight win for 2nd XV
Trojans plainly targeted this fixture as one to be ready for and were out well before the kick-off with an intense warm-up, while Petersfield were later out on the park.
The game began with Petersfield far stronger, dominating every bit of play and forcing the game to be played in the Trojans’ half. But all this was for nought, for after thirty minutes of besieging the visitor’s half, a breakaway allowed Trojans into the home half, where their speedy wing Priam sped away and scored in the corner. The try went unconverted. The first half, then, ended 5-0 to the Tees! Eldridge had sharp words for his charges and taking the game back to the visitors, ‘Field started the second half with a good passage of play from the backs. A smart off-load from Richard Deacon put young Harry Green into space, and, cutting a line through the defence, out-sprinted the Trojan backs to the line, scoring under the posts, to be well converted by Purchase.
More pressure from Field gave them further domination of the game and at a ruck some fifteen metres out from the line, scrummie Matt Doe picked up and darted around the defence, then gave a perfectly weighted pass to put Richard Deacon in right in the corner for a try, which was unconverted. Petersfield were now still looking the stronger, solid in defence and threatening in attack. A further assault from ‘Field led to the ball being given to tyro Green again, who once again managed to wriggle himself through the defence. Although brought down just shy of the line, in the same movement was able to stretch and place the ball down over the line and Referee Wayne Morris was right on hand to give the try. Purchase added the extra two points and ‘Field were deservedly 19 – 5 ahead.
Trojans came back hard as they saw the game and valuable Merit Table points slipping away from them. With ten minutes of non-stop attack, the 'Field defence was strong, giving nothing under the pressure. Then a strong tackle from newcomer Gerald Waterfall was deemed to be dangerous, with Mr. Morris reaching for the yellow card. A tap-and-go penalty allowed Trojans to gain more yardage and eventually gave it to their big lock, Hector, who crashed over for a converted try by the posts. Petersfield played out the last ten minutes in the middle of the pitch, with some heroic defence from the entire team. Eldridge was delighted that his eclectic mix of youngsters and seasoned veterans once again showed the policy of mixed development is the way forward, beating the second string of a good club, whose senior XV plays two leagues higher than ‘Field.
Asked for his comments, Derek was measured. “It was a a great team performance,” he said “but Matt Bragg, playing at flanker, first time in that position, had an awesome game – my man-of-the-match. But I’d like to thank Sam Wilks, who has came back from an appalling injury, which we had thought would keep him out all season and he’s wasted no time in getting back to his usual game – dropping the ball whenever there was an opportunity to score” he added light-heartedly. “I’d also like to welcome back Matt Hartwig – always a good man to have in your pack – and to Matt Doe, his first game back since Christmas. These two guys excelled themselves.” said Eldridge. The Twos are looking for a re-arranged Merit Table game for next weekend.
