WARLINGHAM 22, PETERSFIELD 17 (London 3 SW)

AFTER last week’s somewhat comfortable victory, Petersfield met a different proposition in Warlingham, relegated from London 2 last season, who recorded their first league victory in over a year.

It was close and ’Field gave a good account of themselves on a great surface near Croydon, albeit with a ball like a bar of soap.

The visitors drew first blood after a series of driving runs, with prop Sam Brown crossing for a try converted by stand-off Nick Blumlein.

It was a contest between big running backs out to gain the spoils, and with both teams positive on the ball. Once again, ’Field gained a foothold at the scrums, driving the Warlingham pack backwards to win their own ball and a large slice of the home side’s.

However, Petersfield, like last week, allowed their opponents back into the game and, on the back of consecutive penalties, giant centre David Priest went over for a try that could have benefitted from a TMO review, the ball appearing to have been ‘grounded’ on the red chest of Gareth Crane rather than the verdant turf.

Brad Kearney levelled the scores with the conversion and then, with poor game management by both teams, it became a mishmash of turnover ball. Warlingham did better from the confusion and Alex Sampson scored an unconverted try.

However, Blumlein kicked a penalty just before the break and Petersfield went in trailing 10-12.

The same post-break malaise returned to dog ’Field, though. Several injuries did not help and Matt Momber, man of the match for the visitors, was required to play in three positions during the match before he, too, was side-lined with a knee injury.

It was not until near the end of the third quarter that Adam Downie-Keen scored in the corner for Warlingham and Kearney’s excellent conversion stretched the lead to 19-10.

Kearney added a penalty, while Petersfield tried in vain to find the key to unlock the home defence.

The last 10 minutes were frenetic as ’Field pressed for a score and the hosts defended manfully. The pressure eventually told as another sortie into the 22 resulted in Alex Stoddart picking up a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on young Blumlein.

Warlingham held out until, with time up, centre Seb Tuff took the ball in hand and powered his way down the 22 and over the line, leaving defenders in his wake.

Blumlein added the extras to secure what could be a valuable bonus point.

“Today only cemented my confidence and belief in the players,” said Petersfield coach James Alder. “To score in the manner we did at the end highlighted our potential. We were more than a match for Warlingham and we have a squad to compete and to be successful this season.”

Petersfield are home to New Milton this Saturday.