Petersfield XV 5 Royal Navy President’s XV 19: THE ROYAL Navy President’s XV returned to Penns Place for the now annual floodlit charity match.

In the first half both sides had good chances to score in a very open encounter, with Jenkins and Wilde to the fore for the home side, but the sides remained level at 0-0 at half time.

The second half started as the first had finished with good running play from both sides, but good defence and the missing final pass saw both sides squander scoring opportunities.

The deadlock was eventually broken when space was created for the Royal Navy winger to score in the corner. The try was ably converted from the touchline.

Field now pressed with Blumlein and Robbins very effective in attack, and Tomic went close from a driving maul. The Navy defence held firm and cleared their lines, working their way up to the Field 22 before a charge from their number eight broke three tackles before an off-load saw them score under the posts. Again, the try was converted.

Field came straight back and their pressure eventually paid off as Sloan opened up the visiting defence, allowing Gericke to crash over.

As legs tired the game opened up and there were lots of chances for both sides. Orr went close from a driving maul and only some last-minute defending prevented the try.

As the clock ran down the Navy broke out from their own half and were rewarded for some good offloading play with a last-minute try.