Petersfield under-16s 10 Bournemouth under-16s 27: PETERSFIELD’S under-16s knew that they faced a tough start to their season in their opening friendly fixture at home against Dorset county champions, Bournemouth RFC.

Things looked ominous for Field in the first quarter as Bournemouth put together phase after phase of strong ball carrying backed up by some of the best ball-recycling that Field had ever faced. Field’s defence was stirred into action but could not prevent the sustained pressure applied by Bournemouth being rewarded with two tries.

The second quarter was much better for Field, the resilience of their defence resulted in a number of counter-attacking opportunities. Keohane put in a strong run, breaking several tackles and setting up pacey winger Higson to run in a well-deserved try in the corner. Field’s defence and counter-attack held until the dying seconds of the half when Bournemouth turned a strong passage of play into a try to end the first half 15-5 ahead.

Field started the second half with good belief and put in an impressive third quarter. Fine tackling and rucking by the forwards, in particular by Nicholson, Hall, Wilde and Caines, provided the platform for Field to apply some sustained pressure on Bournemouth. Casson and Kay at half backs distributed the ball well. A long kick by Kay allowed Higson to harry the retreating Bournemouth defence into conceding a five-metre scrum. Macintosh, at number eight, capitalised by running in to pick and go from the back of the scrum. The third quarter ended 15-10 and Field believed that they had the potential to produce a surprise result.

Field’s defence remained strong in the final quarter, with impressive tackling by Keast, Nicholson and Macintosh, but they couldn’t stop Bournemouth scoring a try in the corner to make the score 20-10 with five minutes left to play. Selby was brought on and made a sound debut for Field in the second row. A strong counter-attack by Hughes allowed Field to push Bournemouth back into their own 22 and create further pressure through a strong run by Caines. Field continued to pile on the pressure with a couple of quick penalties, however, Bournemouth held strong, launching a counter-attack of their own to run in a final try in the dying seconds.

Despite the score Field justifiably felt proud of their performance as they had displayed impressive commitment and resilience, and had pushed the Dorset county champions all the way. The prospects are looking good for a strong season for the under-16s.