Petersfield under-13s 30 Gosport & Fareham u-13s 15: SUNDAY saw Petersfield’s under-13s play their first competitive match at junior level against visitors Gosport and Fareham.

Moving up from the mini rugby they have played for the last seven years, the under-13s are now required to play on a near full-size pitch – bringing the challenge of higher fitness levels but also the benefit of more space in which to run.

In the spirit of sportsmanship carried through the younger age groups, the day started with a joint training session. The game was divided into three 20-minute periods and, to the delight of the enthusiastic spectators, was on the first team pitch in front of the clubhouse. Both sides had around 20 players with rolling subs, which was much needed given the big step up on pitch size.

Field got off to a quick start with a lovely running try by Stagg who broke through the defence in his own half and sprinted away to score. This was answered by an onslaught from Gosport and Fareham with three quick tries – all the result of turnovers in the ruck.

After the break, Field took back control of their rucks and the stable platform set the backs up nicely for some lovely flowing rugby, with Palmer running in a couple of good tries from the wing.

The last period saw more of the same as Field ramped up their domination in the pack and the ball provided the backs with another three unanswered tries to seal the win by six tries to three. The final score was 30-15.