PETERSFIELD’S first team secured their semi-final slot in Hampshire’s Gales HSB Plate competition without a shot being fired when the scheduled opponents Locks Heath Pumas cried off the fixture in midweek.

The Pumas, who sit mid-table in the second division, decided to pull out of the competition to focus on their league position. Having been relegated at the end of last year, the Fareham-based side is struggling in League 2 with 12 points after five matches, due in part to a points deduction early in the season.

The unexpected rest will not have pleased Field’s head coach, James Alder, who was no doubt looking to press on with his squad’s development following their impressive 50-10 drubbing of Ventnor.

However, the silver lining is that the hiatus will provide Field’s walking wounded with the chance to recuperate ahead of their next match, a tricky away fixture against Fareham Heathens.

Heathens have a game in hand and victory could see them leapfrog Field into second place in the table.

The cancellation meant that those wanting to watch Petersfield’s seniors in action had to travel along the M27 to Southampton to watch the second team take on their counterparts from Millbrook Rugby Football Club.

In spite of having a good portion of territory and possession, Field failed to execute cleanly enough to put the ball over the try line and the match ended with the hosts 18-0 to the good. There is no peace for the second team next week, when they will meet league leaders Havant A at Penns Place.