Petersfield Rugby Club slipped to a 32-7 defeat against Millbrook in the Hampshire Plate final at Penns Place.

Petersfield found themselves in the final of the Hampshire Plate competition without having played any knockout rounds. Their opponents Millbrook RFC arrived looking for the scalp of a club who play in a higher league, and they achieved their aim and won the competition.

Petersfield started well and camped in Millbrook’s half for 20 minutes, coming away with a try fashioned out of forward play and finally scored by half back Joss Haslett.

Petersfield continued to dominate territory and possession without breaking through to score. After a short period of possession, Millbrook found a way through Petersfield’s defence to level the scores at 7-7 at half-time.

In the second half Petersfield continued to have more than 50 per cent of possession and field position but were unable to close on Millbrook’s try line. Millbrook pounced on any Field mistake, and three of their scores came from breakouts from their own 22 as they ran out comfortable winners.

Despite the defeat, Petersfield had produced a determined and gutsy performance.

Summer activity at Penns Place will feature evening touch rugby for male and female adults and juniors.

Visit https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/petersfield/ for more details on the club’s summer sessions.

Chris Todd