PETERSFIELD Hockey Club’s men’s second team fell to a 6-3 defeat at home to Fleet and Ewshot’s second team in difficult conditions on Saturday.

With most matches having been cancelled or postponed ahead of Storm Dennis, Petersfield and Fleet and Ewshot both decided to push ahead, despite the weather forecast.

By 2pm Storm Dennis promptly arrived for the start of the match.

Lashing horizontal rain and gusting storm winds made for an interesting afternoon of hockey.

League leaders Fleet and Ewshot took the initiative early on and immediately pushed Petersfield back into their own half.

The home side struggled to find their normal rhythm and gave the ball away cheaply time and again.

Fleet and Ewshot continued to dominate and after a series of short corners Petersfield’s defence was broken down with two goals in quick succession.

Petersfield rallied but couldn’t find their passes.

Fleet and Ewshot capitalised on the home side’s poor performance and slotted a further two goals to lead 4-0 at the break.

After a reality check at half time, Petersfield mounted a number of counter attacks in the second half and closed the scoreline to 4-3 with goals from Brockwell, Budden and King.

However, Fleet and Ewshot regained their composure and took back control of the game, dominating possession and closing the game out with two further goals to end the day with a 6-3 victory.

Brutal conditions and not one of Petersfield’s finest performances.

The team will hope to return to winning ways when they travel to third-placed Aldershot and Farnham’s third team on Saturday.