In dull, windy and drizzly conditions, which made ball-handling difficult for both sides, Winchester moved up to second place in Counties 1 Hampshire League 1, writes Dai Henley.
The away side got off to a sparking start. Right winger, Miles Sampson, playing against his former club, scored twice within the first seven minutes. Stand-off Josh Tolan missed both conversions from wide out. A rout looked a distinct possibility. However, Petersfield rallied and after six phases, No 8 Harley Orr crashed over Winchester’s line. The conversion failed leaving the score 10-5 to Winchester.
A break by Winchester full-back Jack Phillips resulted in Sampson going over wide out to achieve his hat trick. The attempted conversion sailed wide. In total control, Winchester almost scored again but referee Tobias Whinney of the London Society deemed the ball was held up over the line.
Winchester’s sustained pressure forced a yellow card for Petersfield second rower, Mark Butcher, for pulling down a maul five metres from their goal line. Winchester chose a scrum and skipper and number 8 Matt Golding touched down under the posts for the bonus-point try. Tolan’s conversion took the score to 22-5.
Now in complete control, Winchester went further ahead with a try wide out for Golding. The conversion failed leaving the half-time score at 27-5 to Winchester.
Wilf Nicholson came on for injured second rower Will Davies. Following strong running by his evergreen second-row partner Matt Lown, Petersfield gave away a penalty in front of the posts. Tolan converted. 30-5 to the visitors.
The home side rallied and dominated the third quarter. Their persistence paid off, crossing the line twice withing seven minutes, missing one conversion. With the score now at 30-17, Petersfield were back in the game. Tight head Tom Williams replaced Jim Beavan.
Winchester admirably shook off their malaise with two tries in quick succession. Hooker Jimmy Wallis touched down and although the conversion failed Winchester went further ahead with a penalty by Jack Phillips. Then, a blistering forty-metre break by centre Jake Hiscock led to a try. Phillips converted, making the final score 45-17 to the visitors.
Coach Gaz Martin said after the game, "I’m delighted with our leaders today. We rode the storm and scored fifteen unanswered points after Petersfield’s bigger front row asserted themselves in the third quarter."
Winchester’s second and third/veterans teams both had home wins. Next week, Winchester team takes on Andover at home.
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