Petersfield 31 - 36 Southampton

Southampton showed great strength of character as they overturned an early twelve point deficit against a formidable Petersfield side who were keen to avenge the defeat when the teams met first met this season. Two early scores from Petersfield showed their speed out wide, with the full back and winger both going round the outside of the Saints defence inside the first ten minutes.

But when Southampton had the ball they made good ground and refused to let their heads drop. They then went a man up, when a Petersfield forward was sinbinned for tripping Tom Morton as he took a quick tap penalty. From the resulting penalty, Morts put the ball into touch deep in Petersfield's territory as the visitors looked to take advantage of the extra man. From the lineout, Tony Cador took a pop pass after a solid catch and drive and used his considerable inertia to force his way over in the corner. The conversion fell short making the score 12-5.

Southampton made the most of the extra man and scored their second through full back Kevin Cant, after a series of attacks that saw the backs and forwards combining well to attack the gaps in the defence. Tom Morton added the conversion to level the scores at 12-12.

Back to full strength, Petersfield restored their lead when they turned over Saints ball and exploited some missed tackles to break through and score under the posts. They added another before half time, giving their trumpet-playing supporter plenty to parp on about on the touchline as the home side went into the break 24-12 up.

Southampton came out fighting and Petersfield struggled to stop the powerful Southampton pack. Tony Cador picked up from number eight and cut between two men to find himself in space. He then showed good pace to run in from twenty yards, fending off a number of defenders to power over the line. Morts added the extras bringing the score to 24-19.

Sensing an upset, Southampton pressed forward and again the forwards and backs combined well, with the backs winning a ruck and giving quick ball for Paul Brant. The ball went out to Dave Griffiths who drew his man and found flanker Ian Mauger in support on the left. Ian touched down to score his first try for the Ones, although we're still waiting to see the jug for that one, Ian...... Morts was on good from with the boot, giving Saints the lead at 24-26.

Once they were in front, Southampton were full of confidence and looked to attack at every opportunity. They stretched the lead when Kevin Cant broke through the defence with Griff and Ward in support outside him. With a touch of white line fever, Cant ignored the overlap but got held up short. Luckily quick support got Canty out of trouble and Kevin Simmons took a short pop pass and found a gap a yard out. Over the line but with nobody challenging him, Kev did well to run the ball closer to the posts, giving Morts an easy two points and Southampton a 24-33 lead.

But Petersfield were far from finished and they piled on the pressure in the final fifteen minutes. They made sure of a tense finish when they charged down a Southampton kick and moved the turnover ball out wide on the left. Again the winger showed good speed to outpace the defence and score in the corner. Under considerable pressure and from a difficult angle, the kicker held his nerve to add an excellent two points and make the score 31-33.

As the game entered the final minutes Southampton added three points through Tom Morton as Petersfield were penalised in front of the posts, making the score 31-36. But with only a five point deficit, Petersfield threw everything at Southampton at the end, but the defence held firm under a series of attacks. Although the game had seen some questionable tackling from Southampton, they put in some big tackles when it mattered most and stood up to everything Petersfield had to offer. As the clock went dead with Petersfield within five yards of the line, Southampton stole the ball and second row Ian Budd hoofed it into touch to seal the win.

It was an impressive win against a team who would have been challenging for the title if it wasn't for Saints, and who had an impressive crowd to cheer them on. But Southampton really played as a team, with the whole pack deserving massive pat on the back. Jamie Hoque stood out at flanker, while in the backs Kevin Cant earned the Man of the Match jacket for some excellent defence and threatening attacks. Chris Alston and his replacement Ramsay Lind both coped well against a dangerous winger, while Josh Pitt's second half defence closed down the threat on the other side.

Credit to Petersfield for their part in what must have been a thrilling game to watch. Huge congratulations to all the Southampton lads, who really showed what they are made of against tough opposition.

But even more importantly, they finally silenced that bloody trumpet player.