PETERSFIELD 0, FARNBOROUGH 0

PETERSFIELD were looking to arrest a run of five defeats in Hampshire 1 and a pointless stalemate, that most unusual of rugby results, did at least halt the slide.

Coach Andy Patience was able to pick a strong side, with a number of players available again, and it was good for the home supporters to see the experienced Jay Bremner back at full-back and the ebullient wrecking-ball that is Sam Rushmer returning at inside-centre.

A win for seventh-placed Farnborough would have put clear water between the top seven and the four labouring in the danger zone, but as it turned out, neither team could break the deadlock.

Both sides had their chances (they also exchanged yellow cards), but a combination of strong defences and fiendishly difficult conditions, allied with poor decision-making and a lack of execution in the final third, prevented any score.

Playing under floodlights after a 3pm kick-off, there were at least no issues of playing into the sun. However, the buffeting headwind made kicking a non-starter for the team playing the gale. This was Farnborough’s position for the first half, and Petersfield were a match for their mauling game.

With just one penalty opportunity for Boro in the half and a failed attempt to kick for position, the deadlock continued. The visitors managed to spend the last 15 minutes in Petersfield’s half, but the elusive score would not come for either side.

Three matches were played at a very draughty Penns Place, while some 130 guests enjoyed their VPs lunch.

’Field 3rd XV narrowly lost their league fixture 17-19 against Farnborough II. ’Field played some excellent rugby. Dan Freeman’s try (converted) immediately after the break gave Petersfield a lead they held for most of the second half. However, the visitors powered over late on and the conversion clinched an exciting victory.

Petersfield II recorded a solid 17-7 win against Portsmouth III. That man Harley Orr scored yet another try, bringing his tally to nine this season, five in consecutive matches.

He was joined on the scoresheet by Carl Sharrock and Franko Tomic, who showed his class with a superb try.