Any game against a Havant second XV when their first team had no fixture was likely to be a hard task – and so it proved for Petersfield with the visitors being routed 78-0.

Petersfield were also hit by injuries, while other players had long-term personal arrangements.

Once again the coaches, selectors and players dug deep to field a cobbled-together team.

From the start Havant swamped the visitors’ defence which held firm until a 14th-minute converted try.

Four minutes later Havant scored a second try out wide which was not converted.

Petersfield took the game to Havant and played for most of the following ten minutes in their opponents’ half, although they were unable to breach the defence.

The Havant nine, ten and 11 combined to score two more converted tries before halftime.

For Field, Tom Needham Laing, a colt last season, was replaced but returned in the second half and played with maturity and commitment.

At half-time Havant led 33-0 although Field’s forwards of veterans Mark Butcher and Dan Luff were being ably supported by Sam Brown, Eryn Eales, Ryan Morse, Nic Wilde Tom Potter and young Lewis McGarr who performed well in the lineouts.

They competed in the scrum well against the heavier opposition.

Field replacement prop Will Cross interchanged with Butcher and Luff from 30 minutes in, and throughout the rest of the match.

Havant opened their second-half account with an unconverted try.

They were to score three more converted tries in the third quarter to lead 59-0.

Petersfield’s backs, including scrumhalf Will Pritchard and fly half Robbie Brown, continually threatened to give the visitors some momentum while Joe Potter, Jake Bosher, Zak Jenkins, James Mates, Fin Sloan and utility replacement Jamie Williams put in huge shifts.

Havant, having used all their bench and riding high on the rout, scored three more tries before the final whistle.

Petersfield battled through to the end, never once letting their heads drop or their determination to weaken.

It is hoped that this and a more consistent availability will translate into winning performances as the season moves on.