Petersfield slipped to a 27-19 defeat at Andover in South Central Two on Saturday.

Andover kicked off down their sloping narrow pitch and were soon recycling possession and threatening Petersfield’s 22. Despite that setback Petersfield appeared to dominate possession, if not field position, and for 12 minutes honours were even.

The visitors were penalised for a high tackle and Andover attempted a penalty kick which was unsuccessful.

Petersfield then lost a lineout just 15 metres from their line and the home side powered through to score a converted try to the right of the posts.

Petersfield winger Seb Tuff was then on the receiving end of a high tackle and the Andover player received a yellow card. The penalty kick from a difficult angle was unsuccessful.

The visitors played out of their half and fullback Charlie Muir put his head down from 30 metres out and turned on the gas side to score a try to the left of the posts. Fly half Nick Blumlein added the extras to make it 7-7.

The home side regained the lead when their outside centre charged 80 metres unopposed to score a converted try under the posts.

Andover added a penalty before half-time to lead 17-7 at the break.

The home side added another penalty after the break to go 20-7 ahead.

Petersfield hooker Sam Brown received a yellow card for a high tackle. Andover made the most of their numerical advantage when their number eight bulldozed his way through the defence to score a converted try.

Petersfield scored their second try when Miles Sampson took a pass at speed and touched down under the posts. Blumlein added the conversion to make it 27-14.

The visitors threw caution to the wind in the final minutes of the game and Tom Land spotted a gap to score an unconverted try after a 90-metre run.

Petersfield’s pack then attempted to cross the line on three successive occasions but were held up by the determined Andover defence.

Petersfield will host Farnham at Penns Place on Saturday.

By Chris Todd