Trojans under-14s 24 Petersfield under-14s 26: PETERSFIELD under-14s progressed to the next round of the Hampshire Cup with a hard-fought victory away at Trojans.

Maybe it was complacency or the heavy Trojans pitch but Field started slowly and allowed the opposition to race away into an early 12-0 lead. The visitors knew that their performance was not good enough and began to turn it around. The forwards worked hard at the breakdown and started to gain ground. Number eight and captain, Keohane, came into the line and opened the scoring for Field in the corner. The try was well converted by Kay. A fine kick-chase then resulted in a chance for centre Smith and he powered over to level the score.

From that point on Field dominated possession but, against the run of play, fell behind once more when the Trojans fly-half evaded the defence to set up the score. Kay’s kick-off immediately put Trojans under pressure, and Field went all the way to the goal line but were unable to cross. Field kept up the pressure and Smith intercepted to score under the posts. Kay converted and the half ended in a draw.

Field continued to pressurise Trojans into mistakes, and Greenwood recovered Kay’s charge down to score under the posts. Kay added the conversion. Field had the lion’s share of the game but Trojans were still dangerous and full-back Knowles was required to put in a couple of try-saving tackles. In the final few minutes Field created their own problems by running sideways and shipping on poor ball. Trojans picked up the pieces to score in the corner but crucially missed the conversion. Field played out the last three minutes in Trojans’ half to secure the win, 26-24.