MILLBROOK 55, PETERSFIELD 0 (Hampshire 1)

STRONG promotion contenders Millbrook overwhelmed lowly Petersfield in Southampton.

When the two teams met at the start of November, Millbrook squeaked a win by just five points, 22-17.

How things have changed since then. Millbrook have gone on to win most of their games comfortably, while ’Field have been in the doldrums, lifted only by their narrow win at fellow strugglers Locksheath last week.

It was a case of déjà vu as injuries and absences forced coach Andy Patience to dig deeply into the club’s resources. Fortunately, the 2nd XV had a break from league action and were able to provide half the squad, with stand-off Alex Groves recruited at the last minute as he prepared to travel with the veterans for their match at Alton.

Petersfield’s scratch side battled gamely throughout. Their attempt to play a tight game and starve Millbrook of the ball kept much of the play in midfield. However, ’Field had no answer when the match opened up and the well-drilled Millbrook side spun the ball wide to take advantage of overlaps.

With so many changes to the pack, ’Field did well to compete at the set-pieces and, in fact, the pack grew in power as the match progressed. Jon Cole and James Coombes-Excell put in solid performances alongside the ever-present Dan Luff in the front row.

The lineout took longer to settle, but when it did, Petersfield’s catch-and-drive won them good yardage. Second-team regulars Franko Tomic and Harley Orr joined captain Gareth Crane in the back row and caught the eye once more. Tomic displayed the same aerial lineout skills ’Field have come to expect from Alex Patience and Orr made some bullocking carries into the resolute Millbrook defence.

With the game plan set for them, Petersfield’s back line were virtually reduced to living on scraps, but they coped pretty well and, to a man, put in a shift as the visitors tried to deny the Millbrook attack.

Petersfield were boosted by the return to the backs of Gareth Macgillivray who suffered a dislocated elbow within five minutes of the first league game of the season.

Despite all ’Field’s good work, Millbrook had the game won by half-time with three tries and a penalty. They continued to take their chances and pile on the points, scoring a further five tries in the second half.

The result keeps them within a point of league leaders Fareham, while Petersfield remain second from bottom, two points behind Isle of Wight who have three matches in hand.

Petersfield do not play again until March 5 when they meet the Islanders in a crucial match.

Petersfield Vets continued their 100 per cent record this season with a 31-3 victory away to Alton Masters.