With the weather disrupting five of the last seven weekends of rugby at Petersfield, the climate finally seems to be cooperating as twelve PRFC sides take to the field this weekend! Last weekend, frost ruined what would have been a special home double-header, with the 1st XV set to host Andover RFC and the 2nd XV welcoming Chichester II. Despite the lack of rugby, 120 people packed the clubhouse for our annual winter “Ladies Lunch”—a great afternoon that carried on well into the evening. A big thank you to everyone who attended; we hope the hangovers weren’t too bad and look forward to seeing you all on the sidelines over the coming weeks.

1st XV Looking to Dent Farnham’s Promotion Hopes

This weekend, the 1st XV head up to an in-form Farnham RFC, aiming to put a dent in the Surrey side’s promotion hopes. The last meeting between the two sides was an absolute classic at Penns Place, with Farnham snatching a 33–30 win via a penalty in the final play of the game. Dan Sargent (x2), Miles Sampson, and Nic Wilde scored the tries that day, backed by a roaring crowd of 400 PRFC fans.

‘Field head into this clash riding a hot streak, including a victory over Wimborne earlier in January to close the gap between the two teams. Before that, the boys put on a show against Chichester, with a festive crowd still brimming with turkey and pigs in blankets. Farnham, meanwhile, come into Saturday’s clash following yet another draw with Winchester on the road. Here at Petersfield, we share the sentiment of most Hampshire rugby fans: these two sides MUST play a third match at the end of the season to settle the score. (Farnham and Winchester, if you’re reading this, make it happen—we’ll be there!)

Prior to that, Farnham ran riot over Guildford with a 29–0 win at home, cementing their status as the only undefeated club in the league. Unsurprisingly, Farnham sit atop the Regional 2 South Central table. Despite having a game in hand, they are only one point ahead of second-placed Bournemouth RFC. Meanwhile, ‘Field’s recent victories have seen the boys in red and green rise to 6th place, three points ahead of Chobham RFC—the side we face next weekend at Penns Place. (Seats and tables available for the pre-match lunch are still available; simply email club chairman Stuart Barden)

With Wimborne succumbing to a shock defeat to Chichester last weekend, the door is wide open for ‘Field to climb into 5th place—a position our coaches believe reflects this squad’s true potential for the season.

Previous Meetings

The last meeting between these two sides was in October, where a last-minute penalty handed Farnham a 33–30 win in a classic at Penns Place. Before that, the clubs hadn’t faced each other in a competitive match since the 2007/08 season, during which ‘Field completed the league double over them.

Saturday, 19 Oct 2024: Petersfield 30–33 Farnham (Regional 2 South Central)

Saturday, 29 Mar 2008: Farnham 8–27 Petersfield (London & SE Division)

Saturday, 23 Nov 2002: Petersfield 61–5 Farnham (London & SE Division)

Travel Details

By Car

Route 1:

From Petersfield Rugby Club, head south towards Penns Place and turn left onto Penns Place.

Continue onto Harrier Way, then turn right onto Durford Road (B2199).

Turn right onto Pulens Lane (B2199), then left onto London Road (A272).

Merge onto the A3 towards London/Guildford/Farnham (via the slip road).

At Ham Barn Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Liphook–Petersfield Bypass (A3).

Take the exit towards Farnham/Bordon/A325. Merge onto Longmoor Road and follow signs for Farnham (A325).

Continue on A325, taking various roundabout exits towards Water Lane (B3208).

Turn left onto Monkton Lane (B3367) and follow signs to Farnham RFC, Monkton Lane, Farnham, GU9 9ND.

Route 2 (Alternate):

Follow the steps above to merge onto the A3.

At Ham Barn Roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Farnham Road (B3006).

Continue on B3006, turning left to merge onto A31 towards Guildford/Farnham.

Stay on A31, then follow signs to Farnham RFC as above.

Estimated travel time: 35–45 minutes, depending on traffic.

By Public Transport

Departing from Petersfield Rugby Club (Bus + Train):

Walk 0.8 miles (18 mins) to Pulens Lane.

Take Bus 54 towards Petersfield Station (Stop F).

From Petersfield Station (Platform 1), board a South Western Railway train to Guildford.

At Guildford Station, change for a train towards Farnham (Platform 6).

From Farnham Station, walk 0.4 miles (9 mins) or take a bus towards Halimote Road (Stop P) and alight at Bullers Road.

Walk 0.3 miles (6 mins) to Farnham RFC.

Team News

With many players returning from injury and other commitments earlier in the season, the coaching staff now appear set on a consistent 1st XV squad heading into the final few weeks of the campaign.

At loosehead prop, loanee Jackson Clark from Tonbridge Juddians returns following his impressive display against Chichester before Christmas. With plenty of depth in the front row, Sam Brown moves back to his natural position at hooker. Captain Dan Sargent, maintaining his perfect start record for the season, completes the front row at tighthead prop. Meanwhile, the towering partnership of Franko Tomic and Oli Hunt start in the second row—a combination that can only be described as Everest and K2 in rugby boots.

Jack Janaway slots into his natural position at blindside flanker, with Karter Whittock and Liam Perkins keeping their spots at openside flanker and number 8, respectively. Joe Knowles starts at scrum-half, while the ever-reliable Nick Blumlein dons the 10 jersey.

In the centres, Will Mathews (12) pairs up with Director of Rugby Matt McLean (13), forming a partnership designed to slice through Farnham's defensive line. A young, dynamic back three features under-18 star Jamie Guthrie (11), Sam Dawes (14), and Brad Caparo (15)—all eager to challenge Farnham’s wings, a unit that has been crucial to the league leaders’ success this season.

On the bench, Ryan Morse is back from his holidays to provide second-row cover, while Greg Jansen and Miles Sampson will bring their usual spark to the back line when called upon.

Petersfield RFC 1st XV to face Farnham RFC

1. Jackson Clark
2. Sam Brown
3. Dan Sargent
4. Oli Hunt
5. Franko Tomic
6. Jack Janaway
7. Karter Whittock
8. Liam Perkins
9. Joe Knowles

10. Nick Blumlien
11. Jamie Guthrie
12. Will Mathews
13. Matt McLean
14. Sam Dawes
15. Brad Caparo

Replacements:

16. Ryan Morse
17. Greg Jansen
18. Miles Sampson

2nd XV Look for Revenge Against Fareham Heathens

The action doesn’t stop there as our 2nd XV head down to Fareham Heathens for a crucial Hampshire Counties 2 clash. Last time out, the boys led 15–10 at half-time, only for a second-half onslaught from Fareham to prove too strong, resulting in a 53–15 defeat. However, this was back in October. Since then, this young and exciting squad has made leaps and bounds in quality, chemistry, and conviction. They have all the minerals to put on a show tomorrow.

Fareham Heathens currently sit in 5th place with 20 points, having won four of their ten games so far. They come off the back of three consecutive losses, most recently a 36–7 defeat to US Portsmouth. Similarly, the boys in green haven’t been the most in-form side over the past few games, losing to US Portsmouth and Havant III in spirited affairs. Tomorrow’s game should be a cracker, with both sides having nothing to lose.

Squad selection has been tough this week, with plenty of talent to choose from.

Petersfield RFC 2nd XV to face Fareham Heathens RFC

1. Mark Butcher
2. Josh Stephens
3. Chad White
4. James Barden
5. Fraser Combe
6. Lewis McGarr
7. Toby Booth
8. Carl Sharrock
9. Oscar Horsfall

10. Archie Whitear
11. Ethan Horsfall
12. Louie D-W
13. Oli Bott
14. Connah Bason
15. Jasper Campbell

16. Jorge Villalon
17. Chase Thomas
18. Ben Thomas

Replacements:
16. Jorge Villalon
17. Chase Thomas
18. Ben Thomas

We look forward to seeing you travelling rams at the 1st XV and 2nd XV away days. Let’s make it two wins!