Petersfield 12 Battersea Ironsides 48: PETERSFIELD fell to defeat against Battersea Ironsides at Penns Place on Saturday.

While Field had their share of possession and territory throughout the game, they were prone to lapses in execution going forward and were too easily breached when in defence. The visitors benefited to the tune of three unanswered tries in the first half.

Field’s woes increased at half time as an injury to Andy Barnes ended his participation in the game.

Battersea scored more tries early in the second half to secure their bonus point.

Further injuries, including one to Nick Blumlein, reduced Field to 14 men.

Petersfield dug deep, though, and were rewarded for their efforts with a try when Franco Tomic forced himself over the line after a well-executed line out.

Field’s second try arrived after Zak Jenkins broke the Battersea line. Jenkins rampaged into the Battersea half and Olly Pope took the ball into contact in the Battersea 22 before offloading to Tomic, whose lung-bursting run was rewarded with a score between the posts. Seb Kay added the extras.

Despite this minor rally Field were still down to 14 men with two flankers standing in as makeshift centres, and Battersea recovered to score more tries and extend their lead.

After extensive treatment one of Field’s injured players, Ryan Morse, was able to return to the field so the home side were able to finish the game with 15 players on the pitch.