Christchurch 2 Petersfield Town 2 (6-5 on penalties): THE RAMS bowed out of the Russell Cotes Cup at the quarter final stage last Tuesday night at the hands of Wessex Premier Division outfit Christchurch.

This was the second meeting between the clubs this season, having previously crossed swords at Love Lane back in August in the Wessex League Cup.

On that night Petersfield came through on penalties after the game finished 1-1 and history almost repeated itself as once again the sides finished level, this time 2-2, but it was Christchurch who won the penalty shoot-out on this occasion.

Christchurch went close in the tenth minute when Ash Pope hit the post.

The Rams took the lead in the 20th minute with a fine volley from Harry Tremlett, but Christchurch fought back and drew level in the 30th minute when Pope fired home past Jacob Orr.

The Rams started the second half well and took the lead for a second time when the dangerous Matt Rowland finished off a good move by firing the ball past Max Frampton in the 52nd minute. Just three minutes later Christchurch were back on level terms when another Pope shot found the back of the net.

The contest remained on a knife edge right to the end and the tie had to be decided on penalties.

Both sides took their penalties well, rarely giving the goalkeeper a chance. At 6-5 to Christchurch Rams captain Kris Stephens had his spot kick saved as the hosts reached the semi finals.