Petersfield Colts 3 Tadley Colts 27: GIVEN the rainfall during the week there had been doubt over whether or not the game would proceed, but it did get the go ahead in the end.

Petersfield received the ball and rather generously kicked the ball back to Tadley, who after a couple of phases had a lineout on Field’s five-metre line and mauled the ball over to open the scoring.

Some fierce exchanges involving the forwards eventually saw the ball at the other end of the park and Kay took the three points on offer from a penalty.

Tadley responded with another try to end the first half 10-3 to the good.

Field made a sloppy start to the second half and conceded another try pretty much from the kick-off.

The pattern of play was at times frantic but always committed and Field’s tackling, which was sporadic in the first half, was much improved in the second.

Field came close to scoring a few times but never managed to get the ball over the whitewash.

However, whenever Tadley had an opportunity they managed to power their way close to the try line and a penalty try and conversion gave the visitors the impetus they needed to score again before the final whistle and stretch their lead further.

Tadley deserved to win on the day, even if the 27-3 scoreline was perhaps a little bit flattering.

Field’s players individually played very well with good spirit but did not operate as effectively as a team as well as they should have done.