Petersfield 19 Fordingbridge 17: PETERSFIELD’S first team finally got to play in front of their home support on Saturday as they took on Fordingbridge at Penns Place.
Field were looking to continue their good start to the season, but the visitors had their own 100 per cent record to maintain.
Fordingbridge scored after five minutes – a series of penalties leading to a drive over in the right hand corner.
Field responded and Franks’ fly-hack through was expertly weighted for him to chase and dot the ball down over the line. Haslett bisected the uprights with ease to give Field a two-point lead.
Field increased their lead a few minutes later as Matthews was set free to sprint for the line. Haslett again added the extras.
Fordingbridge then turned pressure into points with an attack down their right wing. Missed tackles from Field’s defence allowed the visitors to penetrate the line and score in the corner. The extras were added with a kick from the touchline.
The match continued to ebb and flow before Fordingbridge again crossed the line to retake the lead. A poor clearance kick was fielded by the Fordingbridge full back who took off to the left, creating an overlap that Field’s defence was too slow to cover.
The half was almost over when Orr was forced through the gap to give Petersfield the lead. Haslett’s kick was on target but agonisingly short.
The second half was a tense affair, and neither side was able to add to the scores as Field held on for the win.