Petersfield Colts 12 Bognor Colts 12: A BLUSTERY, wet winter’s day at Penns Place saw Petersfield Colts entertain Bognor Colts in a home fixture friendly.

The conditions under foot meant that purchase in the scrum, or opportunity for jinking runs by the three-quarter line, were to be minimal; if possible at all.

Field persistence soon saw a grubber kick penetrate through the Bognor defensive line upon which Bristow was quick to capitalise, giving the home team a five-point advantage. W Matthews, still in form from the previous weekend, was quick to convert the effort.

Having spent most of the half camped in the opposition 22, Petersfield ended the half seven points to the good.

The start of the second half saw a refreshed Bognor impart real pressure onto the home side. The conditions visibly took their toll on both teams as Bognor pressed the Field defence repeatedly. Bognor were soon rewarded by their efforts, scoring a good try which they failed to convert.

Despite valiant defensive efforts by White and E Matthews, Bognor were soon over the gain line once more. The conversion saw the visiting team take the lead 12-7.

A Bognor yellow card, coupled with some tactical substitutions breathed new life into Field. From a penalty kick, the Field three quarter line were quick to respond, shipping the ball out wide to Rosenblatt on the wing. Fast legs and fearless commitment of the Field winger saw him add to his try tally for the season. Field had drawn level with the visiting team, only the conversion could deny them now.

Heavy legs, distance from the posts, wind against, and maybe the proximity to the final whistle contributed to W Matthews finding himself unable to convert the last kick of the game.

A valiant effort displayed by both teams, in what proved to be a highly entertaining match, and overall a draw was a fair result.