Petersfield director of rugby Matt McLean has admitted he has been frustrated by some of his side’s close defeats this season.

With a third of the season completed, Petersfield sit mid-table in South Central Two in sixth place having won three and lost four of their first seven matches.

Of the lost matches Petersfield took maximum losing league points from three out of four of those matches, while also taking maximum points with their three victories.

With 21 league points Petersfield are just three points below third-placed Bournemouth. Petersfield will host Bournemouth at Penns Place on Saturday.

Field were promoted to South Central Two this summer. Fellow promoted teams North Dorset and Andover currently sit in eighth place and 11th place respectively.

“It’s been frustrating for the players and coaching team to lose matches by seven points or fewer and to have scored four or more tries in those matches,” said McLean.

“It has brought us the maximum losing points of two in three matches, but we could not close off the games and win.

“Generally, the pack have shown to be equal to their opposition in technique and fitness, and with several senior, more experienced players, the pack have held their own while senior players are helping to develop some younger team-mates.

“A weakness is a lack of one or two backs who can consistently break through defences or outpace them.

“Unforced errors from players when either at close quarters or in open play have unfortunately surrendered field position.

“The tendency is to give away unnecessary penalties through overenthusiasm.

“To start quickly, improve the accuracy of the basic skills – especially when under opposition pressure – and to manage the game and officials more wisely will be the areas of focus in training in the next weeks.”

By Chris Todd