Petersfield 0 Hamble 3: PETERSFIELD are looking forward to the 2018-2019 season after a successful campaign the previous year which saw them promoted into Hampshire Division 1.

The first fixture of the season saw Petersfield welcome Hamble, who had finished in the top half of Division 1 last season.

The hosts had plenty of possession during the match and switched play effectively to create chances and hold their own defensively.

Petersfield were unable to capitalise on a chance in the first few minutes as the ball drifted away from the attacker’s stick.

The visitors came close to scoring after beating keeper Smith, yet Alder protected the line and deflected the shot on goal away from trouble. Hamble then took the lead after a well worked play in the circle.

Petersfield worked hard to get back on level terms, yet despite intense efforts and a couple of penalty corners, the visitors doubled their advantage to lead 2-0 at half time.

The home side were much tighter in the second half and protected the middle and pushed the visitors out wide away from scoring opportunities.

Petersfield came close with efforts from J Atkinson, Harris and Hughes-Stanton, however the Hamble keeper kept calm and dealt with any advances. Hamble increased their lead near the final whistle to finish 3-0 winners.

Petersfield travel away to fellow promoted side Basingstoke this weekend and will be looking to get three points on the board.