Early Setback!
19 Sep 09 Alton 32 v 28 Petersfield 1st XV
After a winning start to the league campaign last week, Petersfield suffered a setback against Hampshire rivals Alton this weekend, although they were not helped by a number of borderline decisions, which went against them. Last week saw Petersfield come out all guns blazing against a US Portsmouth side, which had been a strong promotion candidate last season, and had every expectation of a repeat performance at Alton.
It was their hosts who started more strongly however, and quickly notched up a 10-0 lead. The visitors did not panic however and soon reduced the deficit, from two Barnes penalties - at last finding his range - and some strong running lines from backs, when they actually got the ball, Saunders showing his pace and skill to finish with a try five minutes before the half.
Unfortunately, much of the Petersfield’s pressure was undone by a failure to retain and recycle the ball in the manner which had worked so well the previous week, with penalty after penalty awarded despite repeated attempts to alter technique to match the requirements of the match official. ‘Field also saw numerous cynical offences in their opponent’s twenty-two punished only by penalties. But Alton have always played the big, power forward game and to find an Anstey forward on his feet at a ruck is as rare as hens teeth. ‘Field were thus on the receiving end of some obtuse application of the laws of rugby but to the referee Cutler’s credit, he gave all the laws an airing from A-Z, whilst keeping his yellow and red cards safely in his pocket.
It seemed to the neutral observer that an understanding of the tactics of playing at Alton when attacking the deep end had not registered with ‘Field. On a pitch, which slopes in at least three planes, the obvious tactic is to strike to the deepest corner with any kick and attack with the resulting set-piece with the benefit of the hill. Goodness, one farmer remarked, if this was in Wales, they could get a grant for mountain farming. Alton chose to defend the slope for the first half, did so very well and turned round with a 17 – 11 advantage.
In the second half to their credit Field scored an additional 17 points, through tries from Barnes and Flett, Barnes adding the extras. But it was Alton’s big driving game that undid any chance of a Petersfield victory, winger O’Connor touching down with 90-second son the clack to give the Anstey faithful the right result.
Alton's style has not changed in years but their relatively young side has been rebuilding in Hampshire 1 for three seasons and now looks like the side to beat if they are not to win the league.
‘Field were understandably disappointed to lose in such a manner, but must take the bitterness and turn it into positive, aggressive rugby for both the return fixture and the rest of the league campaign. They have shown that they can dominate in a physical battle, have threatening lineout presence and a backs division, which is capable of exciting running rugby, but potential is not any assurance of victory. They will look to get back into winning ways this weekend at home against an Aldershot and Fleet side, which is yet to record a win from their opening two fixtures.
