Chichester Priory Park Friars 2 Petersfield Veterans 3: A FINE team performance saw Petersfield increase their lead at the top of the division, beating the league winners for the past three seasons.

The early encounters were even, with both sides showing attacking endeavour. However, Chichester took an early lead through a smart finish after Broadmeadow made an initial save from a penalty corner. Chichester continued to attack with fire, but Rowland’s close marking of the Chichester centre-forward kept them at bay. Budden’s return to the Petersfield side made a big difference; playing just in front of the back three, he provided good ball distribution, incisive tackling and a route out of defence.

Gradually, Petersfield’s midfield imposed themselves and it wasn’t long before Parker’s finish at the far post from White’s cross drew Petersfield level. Cleife and Cornett went close with penalty corners, but it wasn’t long before Hulme swept in Petersfield’s second from a precise Cornett cross. Both sides continued to attack with verve, but both defences were solid, with Cornelius and MacIntyre ably supporting Budden and Rowland in Petersfield’s back four. Petersfield scored the next goal, Parker finishing well after a mazy run. Chichester pulled the score back to 3-2 with a neat reverse stick flick.

Although no goals were scored in the second half, the hockey was far from dull with the defensive skills of both sides coming to the fore. Hulme and Cleife continued to open up the Chichester defence. Their high-speed skilful dribbling resulted in a dozen or so penalty corners, but none were converted through a combination of good goalkeeping and poor decision-making. At the other end the Petersfield defence continued to marshal the dangerous Chichester forwards, refreshed by the entry of Wilson and Martin. A number of penalty corners were conceded but, like the Petersfield forwards, Chichester did not convert any through some good goalkeeping by Broadmeadow and intelligent defensive work by Rowland and White. At the final whistle Petersfield were well worth their win against the league champions, finishing the first half of the league season with a 100 per cent record.