Petersfield 3rd XV 17 Trojans 3rd XV 12: PETERSFIELD’S third team strengthened their position at the top of the Snows Group Solent League 4 table with a hard-fought win against Trojans’ third team.

The home side got off to a flying start against a strong Trojans team, with Petersfield skipper Dave Sloan kicking a penalty less than ten minutes after kick-off.

The visitors responded well and put Petersfield under pressure. Sloan, Lee Jones and Joel Babbage disrupted the visitors’ efforts to get the ball wide and into space, while the Petersfield forwards refused to be bullied off the ball by the experienced, well drilled and aggressive Trojans pack.

But, despite their best efforts, Trojans broke the defensive line just before half time and went over for a converted try.

Just minutes into the second half a strong Trojans charge ended with the visitors scoring in the corner. The conversion was missed, but the jubilant visitors were 12-3 ahead.

The home side kept their composure, with the forwards recycling the ball, creating space for the backs to launch attacks.

Sloan and Alex Groves combined and Groves brushed off a number of tackles to score under the posts. Sloan converted.

With ten minutes to go, a fine kick downfield put the hosts in a good position. After a couple of well executed drives from the forwards, the ball hit Jones, who cut through the defence to score. Sloan added the conversion to make it 17-12.