Petersfield Rugby Club’s under-18 Colts slipped to a 33-22 defeat at Portsmouth in their opening Hampshire Division Two (South) Colts game of the season.

Petersfield got off to a flying start with a try by Ffrench-Lynch after just five minutes following a chased down chip kick. Spencer converted to add another two points.

Portsmouth dominated the next 20 minutes, running in four tries with four conversions to lead 28-7 at half-time.

Petersfield came out in the second half with renewed vigour and self-belief – and within four minutes Spencer added three points from the tee.

Startup barrelled over the line five minutes later. This time the conversion was just wide of the mark, but Petersfield were back in the game and firing on all cylinders.

Portsmouth scrambled another try on 69 minutes, but failed to convert.

Petersfield had the ball as the clock went red. Some classy footwork and passing moved the ball out to Spencer, who went over for Petersfield’s third try and added the extras.

The visitors won the second half 15-5.

Field’s next league game is at home to Trojans today (Sunday).