Hampshire under-16s 9 Berkshire under-16s 20: PETERSFIELD’S Penns Place hosted a county fixture between Hampshire under-16s and Berkshire under-16s.

Local interest in the match focused on three Petersfield RFC players in the Hampshire team; Seb Kay at stand-off, Angus Rushin at inside centre, and Ollie Belcher at prop.

The match drew a large and appreciative crowd who, in bright sunshine, watched a thoroughly entertaining match which ended with Berkshire as rightful winners; the visiting side had just too much about them and Hampshire were forced to tie up numbers to secure possession.

The quality of rugby on display was a reminder that the match could be a showcase for the possible Premiership and international stars of future. This view is not as fanciful as it may sound as representatives from the academy of Premiership team, London Irish, were in the crowd to size up the talent on show – director Nick Kennedy and forwards’ coach Declan Danaher.

Interest in rugby continues to grow, as demonstrated by Petersfield RFC’s own experience this season with a large influx of new players, including the 40 or so under-sixes – the largest group ever seen at the club.