Petersfield 5 Fordingbridge 13: FOLLOWING their exploits against the Navy on Wednesday, Field’s first team went into their last league match of 2015 against visitors Fordingbridge with a slightly battered and weary team.

However, despite missing a few of those who played in the charity match through injury, confidence was high within the squad. Given Field’s lowly league position Fordingbridge were also very confident and focused as the match began.

The first quarter was played pretty much between the 22’s as the teams battled for domination. Fordingbridge had the best chance of a score halfway through the period after a cross-field kick opened up space on the left. While they crossed the line, the final drive had involved a double movement, negating the score.

In the second quarter Field had a shout of their own denied as, after a sustained period of pressure in the Fordingbridge 22, Harrington barrelled over the line to touch down with three defenders on him. The referee declared the ball held up.

Early in the second half Fordingbridge cleverly broke the deadlock with a cheeky drop goal to open their account. The match continued to be a struggle, but Fordingbridge had taken heart from their score and play moved into Field’s half. The visitors took their chances where they could and added a try and penalty to go 13-0 ahead. Field’s woes increased as Lumbard was yellow-carded for seemingly kicking the ball away before the whistle sounded. The home side salvaged some pride near the end with a drive over from a penalty line out, but the wind denied the extras and a losing bonus point.