Colts win at a canter

Petersfield's Colts kicked of the new season with a new team of U17s & U18s combining for the first time in a comprehensive win over hosts Fareham Heathens.

In near perfect conditions for running rugby Petersfield did just that running in 13 un-answered tries against a Heathens side who to their credit never gave up.

The Petersfield pack ably led by Nick Cox started strongly, dominating the scrum where Russo and Texier made their considerable presence felt. The backs marshalled by Land at fly- half ran the show with constant inventiveness and a will to run the ball.

The try barrage was opened by Mackay following some fine work by Carroll in the loose, he went on to claim a further try, one of four to score a brace.

Janku added to the score with a back row move from a 5-yard scrum at which point the floodgates opened with Davey scoring 2 tries, one an excellent snaking run through the home defence.

Colwood got on the score sheet with a great support try and Knowles broke through to score under the posts.

Field at times looked unplayable at the scrum - although they did not turn it on for the whole game - and Whitby took his fair share of the lineout ball.

The second half was again fruitful for Field as Captain Tribe added two scores and a sublime miss-move in the centres also allowed Land to score under the posts.

Despite their dominance in most areas, Field lacked some cohesion and their structure fell away in the second half. Heathens’ came back into it and it was a shame they were not rewarded for their rear-guard action.

As they game opened up tries went begging for Field as individuals went for glory. They did however finish strongly as Constable went over in the corner following good work from Knowles. Colwood added his second and Carroll was rewarded for his fine combative display, crashing over after fine work by Currie.

Coach Whitby was overall pleased with the performance, a good opening loosener of a game, some great execution of the work drilled by the team at training. The side need to work on maintaining its structure for its opening league match at Portsmouth on the 23rd September if they are to start the campaign with a win.