PETERSFIELD head coach James Alder declared that his players should be proud of their hard work, commitment and effort after their 29-7 defeat at Battersea Ironsides on Saturday.

It was Petersfield’s fifth match of the season and fifth different line-up, with third team captain Dave Sloan stepping up to play in the pivotal stand-off position.

Alder said: “This team continue to show that they are more than capable of competing in London South West 3.

“The players need to stay focused, keep working hard and keep believing in each other and their rewards will come.

“Our league status needs to remain in our hands and no one else’s.

“Keep faith and the win will come.”

Petersfield have a break from league competition this Saturday and the team will be travelling down to Portsmouth for a Hampshire Bowl match.