Old Emanuel 43 Petersfield 10: PETERSFIELD’S first team travelled to the undefeated league leaders on Saturday.

With 16 senior players unavailable for selection through injury and other commitments, Field were one man short of the full 18-man squad. Such was the manpower crisis head coach James Alder named himself as one of the two reserves.

Within two minutes of the kick-off, Field were under pressure in their 22 and Will Jameson was sidelined for treatment following what looked an ill-timed tackle.

Alder was on the pitch with no time to acclimatise to the pace of the game and the hosts scored their first converted try. By the time Jameson was patched up, Old Emanuel had scored their second try, unconverted.

After Old Emanuel had gained their four-try bonus point it was Field’s turn to score. Pressure from the pack earned a penalty in front of the posts, which Josh Haslett duly converted. The hosts led 31-3 at the break.

After absorbing pressure early in the second half, Field finally managed to turn defence into attack with powerful driving runs from Jake Leach, Toby Sydenham and substitute Mark Butcher, gaining good territory before Sydenham crossed for his side’s only try of the game, converted by Haslett.

Field pushed for more points with territory and possession in the opposition half but clever play at the breakdown by Old Emanuel stopped any more points being collected by the visitors. The hosts, on the other hand, made the most of their ball with two further tries.