DURING its long and distinguished history, Petersfield Rugby Football Club has introduced a number of rugby firsts to the community, extending the appeal of the game to boys and girls from five years old upwards.
With all the age groups covered, touch and full contact rugby available and the senior players flying high in the league, Field are now reaching out to the social player.
The social player is the one who can no longer train during the week and play every Saturday during the season but misses rugby.
On Saturday, Petersfield RFC commenced the first of a series of matches for adults who would love to play when they have the time, no strings attached. Participants do not have to be full members of the club and can pitch up, pay a £10 match fee and play.
A mixed side of players from the Petersfield and Haslemere areas played West Sussex neighbours Midhurst in what turned out to be an engaging and thrilling game.
Things didn’t look favourable at the start of the match as Midhurst scampered through within seconds to open the scoring.
However, the Barbarian hosts regathered themselves and returned to the fray.
Early fears of a one-sided whitewash were put aside as the hosts swiftly found their feet, finding a structure and strategy that worked for the disparate group of players.
An absorbing game followed and the lead changed hands several times before Midhurst had the final say with the last try of the game to take the win 27-22.