Petersfield Rugby Club’s second team took centre stage with a 44-0 win against Winchester Knights.

Petersfield’s first-team fixture at Penns Place was cancelled and Field were awarded five league points for a home walkover as their opponents – Bournemouth’s second team – were unable to select a team to travel to Petersfield.

With more than 120 people attending the annual pre-match lunch for club vice-presidents and their guests it was the club’s senior second team who provided the on-pitch entertainment as they faced Winchester Knights.

The match was played in testing conditions for the players, referee and almost 200 spectators as from kick-off a thick mist descended – bringing visibility down to less than 150 metres.

A hat-trick of tries from Eddie Matthews, a double from Jay Bremner and tries for Joe Potter, Isi Matea and Will Prichard demonstrated the playing style that has been practised throughout the home senior squad.

The pack dominated possession and were strong in defence while providing clean ball for the back line to exploit their speed with many penetrating runs. With most tries coming out wide on the wings the conversions were difficult in the murky conditions. The win saw Petersfield’s second team reclaim the top spot in Hampshire Five in style.

Chris Todd