Petersfield Colts 15 Fordingbridge 32: PETERSFIELD Colts continued to make progress in their preparations for the league season with a tough friendly match against Fordingbridge.

Fordingbridge eventually, and deservedly, ran out winners against Field in a closely fought match at Penns Place.

Initial encounters on the park were evenly contested before Fordingbridge broke through on the wing to open the score with a converted try. For the next 15 minutes the play continued in the same vein until, once again, Fordingbridge broke through Field’s defensive line to lead 12-0.

The forward battle was fairly balanced with Fordingbridge strong in the scrum while Field contested well for the ball at the breakdown. It was possession from the breakdown that allowed the backs to make a number of forays deep into the opposition territory before Matthews followed up his well-placed grubber-kick, powering in behind the defence to regather the ball and cross the line to open the Field account.

After a further period of Field pressure, a line out move enabled Lambert to score, bringing Field back to within two points at half time.

The second half saw a resurgent Fordingbridge score further tries exposing some defensive weaknesses in the home side. While the visitors gained momentum on the score board Field ensured they did not have matters all their own way and a concerted effort saw Hurst use his speed to finish off a nice passage of play with a well-deserved try.