Warlingham 22 Petersfield 17: AFTER a comfortable victory in their first match last week, Petersfield’s first team travelled to Warlingham for their first away match in London South West 3.

The hosts went close with a penalty before Field drew first blood with a passage of driving runs that were finished by prop Sam Brown crossing for his first try. Nick Blumlein made short work of the conversation.

Field allowed the home team to get back into the game and, on the back of consecutive penalties, Warlingham went over to score a try.

With poor game management by both teams the match became a mishmash of turnover ball. Warlingham did better from the confusion and scored another try on the back of a penalty. The missed conversion meant that a Blumlein penalty just before the break saw the teams go in at 12-10.

The scrappy play continued throughout the second half and it was not until near the end of the third quarter that the scoreboard was troubled again, with the home side scoring a try.

While Field couldn’t find the key to unlock the Warlingham defence, the home side made sure of their chances in the visitors’ half, securing a penalty kick to extend their lead to 12 points.

Field pressed for a score in the last ten minutes and the pressure told when a defender spear-tackled Blumlein, earning himself a yellow card in the process. With time up, centre Seb Tuff took the ball in hand and powered his way over the line. Blumlein added the extras as Field secured a losing bonus point.

Despite the defeat head coach James Alder praised his players for their effort and team spirit.

Alder said: “I have complete confidence in every player in my senior squad and today only cemented that confidence and belief in my players. All the players and coaching staff should be proud with the effort and team spirit on show against Warlingham. To score in the manner we did at the end highlights our true potential.

“We were more than a match for Warlingham and we have a squad to compete and to be successful this season.

“This is another big learning experience, one we will put into practice next week when we play at home against New Milton.”