Off to a flyer!
12 Sep 09 Petersfield 1st XV 39 v 10 US Portsmouth
Petersfield swept away a strong US Portsmouth challenge on Saturday, producing some of the best Rugby Football seen at Penns Place for a couple of seasons. They now face a tough and potential very difficult challenge in the East Hampshire derby next weekend at Alton, the home team with their cockles up having demolished Farnborough 5 – 47 last weekend.
This is a completely different Petersfield XV from last year, but astonishingly with very much the same personnel. What has changed can only be the new regime under Director of Rugby Steve Penberthy. USP were very dignified in defeat and described ‘Field as a young, fit, fast team. Well, they were that last year presumably, but this year all the efforts of coaches Barnes, White and Heffield seem to have taken root and it was a pleasure to see ‘Field play with such confidence.
Penberthy was very measured after the match. “Pleased, very pleased,” was the first comment. “Things are going the right way, but on step at a time, twenty more to go” said the Temeraire Sports Administrator – but with a gentle smile.
Head coach Tony Barnes was his typical thoughtful self. “We need to tighten up the centre” he said, “we’re carrying the ball too far and into contact.” Yes, probably, though to be fair the USP centre wasn’t the most solid, Petersfield scoring three of their five tries through that route so all is not lost.
And the lineout worked like a charm. Plaisted throwing was pin-accurate, helped by the fact that the USP pack was a typical compact, robust square Naval formation. Winter and Payne towered over the line and what they missed Crane was happy to snaffle. And an added bonus was ‘Field actually scored their second try from a catch and drive, the beneficiary being hooker Plaisted most deservedly. Later Petersfield were able to defend successfully against driving mauls! A real sea-change, believe me, gentle reader.
Petersfield first try had come from a replacement. In true US style, a clumsy tackle from USP’s captain Blackett left flyhalf half James Flett with a bloodied nose. The youngster assured visiting Blackett Snr., there to watch his lads play for US, that he had no need of any capsules and then came off for Will Dunglinson to come on pro-temp. There was not a stutter in the Petersfield attack. From a lineout on the USP ten metre, the ball was swept right then left, skipper Palmer and back row Sharman superb on the ground and the ball flew out for a measured pass from Wilks, a revelation at centre to put Dunglinson in for the opening try. He then trotted off to allow Flett to return.
USP came back with a penalty on twenty minutes from Bolt, but Petersfield were firmly in control. Minutes later, Flett dummied the defence out of second phase and ran through the centre to score under the posts, this time Barnes managing the conversion.
Then an unfortunate delay in proceedings. A US player giving hard in a ruck, went clean through and the players and ploughed head first into the hard summer pitch. Knocked out temporarily, referee Peter Westley, who contributed mightily to an excellent open game, wisely moved the action to ‘Field’s pitch two. The delay plainly disrupted both teams and play resumed after fifteen, things became somewhat ragged. Happily, several ambulances arrived and the injured player is recovered and back on his feet.
When the players had settled back into the game, Petersfield again resumed normal service. Thriving on the service of Butcher at the base of the scrum and the intuitive running of Martin from fullback, ‘Field took control again. Barnes drifted cleverly through the US defence for a converted try before Flett wound matters up with a splendid sole effort, beating a tiring defence to score and give Barnes an easy final kick.
Although USP had pulled one back earlier as they scrambled a ball over the ‘Field line, the only time all afternoon the home defence stuttered, Barnes added to further penalties and ‘Field were comfortably home and dry.
Skipper Palmer was quietly satisfied with his team’s performance. “The lads worked very well today,” said the big No.8. “We got the backs and forwards working together, we understand what we have to do and the drills are coming together very well. I’m very please.”
But he warned of complacency next weekend. “Alton are a young team, been rebuilding for three years,” he said. “We’ll to keep this form and better if we’re to get a result at Anstey next weekend.” That game kicks off at 3.00 p.m and it would be fair to say that one East Hampshire team could ruin the others season very early on. It will be a fascinating contest.
