Petersfield 6 Swanage & Wareham 3: PETERSFIELD started the game with possession, forcing Swanage and Wareham to do a lot of chasing.

Petersfield attacked down both sides of the pitch, switching the direction of play swiftly. This caused problems for the Swanage defence as clumsy tackles and footwork in the circle gave Petersfield a number of penalty corners. The penalty corner attack of Grinstead, Elms, Alder, Harris and J Atkinson penalised Swanage as they scored their first three, and threatened the visitors further as Harris hit the post with a low drag. Swanage caught Petersfield on the counter, which left Grinstead and Alder outnumbered and unable to prevent a goal. The goal dampened Petersfield’s positive half, along with a sin-bin for captain Grinstead for breaking up play. Despite these events, Harris put further distance between both teams as he intercepted a Swanage ball across goal to beat the keeper and make it 4-1.

Swanage started the second half the better team and attacked Petersfield’s defence. The visitors won two penalty corners and scored two goals to make the score 4-3. Petersfield extended their lead when J Atkinson found the back of the net. The hosts found the net once again after an advantage was played after Elms was fouled. Ramsey pounced on the free ball in space and flicked the ball gracefully over the sliding keeper to make it 6-3.

Petersfield remain in second place in Hampshire Division 3, four points clear of Fareham with a game in hand. Petersfield’s next fixture is at home to Yateley on Saturday.