New Milton & District 55 Petersfield Colts 7: A DEPLETED Petersfield Colts side produced a spirited display against New Milton and District Colts.

New Milton and District, having been concerned about their player numbers at the start of the season, dropped themselves down a division into this league and so were strong favourites against newly promoted Petersfield.

Travelling with just 14 players; Field nonetheless gave a very solid account of themselves.

The opening 20 minutes were a tight affair with Field’s commitment and determination edging the contest in the centre of the park. Field missed an opportunity to take the lead via some penalty points but continued to press with some bright passages of play.

New Milton and District were keen and effective at the breakdown and took the lead with two tries in fairly quick succession. By the end of the first half New Milton and District had added two further tries to lead 24-0.

The second half saw the hosts push further ahead with a strong pack and their fast runners all playing some quality rugby.

Field did not capitulate though and after a concerted passage of pressure Truman scored, with Keast adding the conversion.

Deep into the second half Field lost a further player through injury, and while the hosts sportingly matched numbers on the pitch they were able to utilise all their bench and thus exploit the tired Field players and push the final tally on to 55-7.