New Milton RFC struggle to come back in Petersfield clash
Hampshire Premier: New Milton RFC 22-38 Petersfield
NEW Milton RFC were unable to come back from a significant half-time deficit as they went down to second-placed Petersfield at Ashley Recreation Ground.
The home side had to make several changes to their team due to holidays and other commitments, but experienced first-team players took their places, and there was a confidence that Milton could maintain their winning ways.
From the kick-off, a series of penalties against Milton at the scrum gave Petersfield possession from which they scored a converted try. The home side responded by gaining territory and attacking, but the passes were not going to hand, and Petersfield were able to take advantage and score again.
From the restart, Milton had a penalty and a five-metre line-out. The forwards won the set play and formed a maul which allowed Lewis Royley to break around the front and touch down.
The hosts then had to work hard in defence with Petersfield doing their utmost to score. A penalty resulted in two Milton players being sent to the sin-bin, and the away side immediately used their advantage to score two converted tries to make it 26-5 at half-time.
New Milton started the second period with a full team. Penalties gave the hosts a five-metre line-out. Man-of-the-match Tom Wood took the ball from the line-out and broke for the line. Assisted by Sam Bew, he was able to touch down.
Milton were soon back in the visitors’ 22, creating pressure on the try-line. The forwards were unable to break through so the ball was passed out to the backs who maintained possession, and Sammy Hattab was able to break through for a try.
Petersfield quickly responded scoring a converted try. Milton worked hard and continued to attack the away side, but the ball was lost in the tackle and at the ruck, the visitors gaining possession to score.
Ali Gunn then claimed the ball on halfway and sprinted for the line, leaving the defenders and touching down for the final score of the game which handed New Milton a bonus point.
New Milton: D. Smith, S. Bew, L. Royley, J. Corbett, S. Hattab, T. Hynd, M. Santa-Maria, T. Wood, J. O’Regan, A. Lavis, A. Gunn, C. Jewiss, J. Payne, C. Coombs, Y. Tinley, C. Wood, B. Hinkson, E. Hynd.
