It’s the first lunch of the new year, and we welcome our promotion counterparts to Penns Place with the aim of securing three wins in a row and continuing our climb up the league table. It has been three months since Andover last recorded a victory in a league fixture, with their most recent win coming when Petersfield travelled to their ground and suffered a 27–19 loss. With only two wins so far this season, it has been a challenging campaign for our visitors, who will undoubtedly have ambitions of completing the double this weekend.

Petersfield may hold a slight advantage going into the match, as Andover’s fixture last weekend was postponed due to frozen pitches, meaning it will have been nearly three weeks since their last competitive outing. A club with a strong family history, led by the Waite name, Andover currently sit at the bottom of the league with just ten points and the unenviable title of having conceded the most points in the division.

The Petersfield squad retains much of its structure from last weekend, starting with the powerful front-row combination of Sam Brown, Jack Janaway, and Dan Sargent, who delivered phenomenal performances both in open play and at the set-piece. In the second row, Oli Hunt partners Franko Tomic, who returns from time off. On the blindside, Carl Sharrock earns his first 1st XV start of the season, completing the back row alongside Karter Whittock and Liam Perkins. Both Whittock and Perkins are in fine form, coming off strong showings last weekend.

In the backline, Joe Knowles returns to the scrum-half position, allowing Nick Blumlein to shift back to his usual role at fly-half after covering at nine last weekend. Will Mathews retains his place at inside centre, while Matt McLean moves to outside centre to add pace and creativity in midfield. Jamie Guthrie makes his second start of the season, continuing to impress the coaching staff, and is joined on the opposite wing by Sam Dawes. At fullback, Brad Caparo completes the starting XV and brings versatility to the backline, having stepped into the scrum-half role with aplomb during last week’s match.

The bench offers considerable strength, with Eryn Eales returning to the squad after some standout performances for the 2nd XV. Greg Jansen and Miles Sampson provide valuable depth for the backline and will be tasked with countering Andover’s youthful and fast-paced back division.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00, with a lunch beforehand. We encourage everyone to come down to Penns Place, show your support for the lads, and enjoy the first rugby weekend of the new year!

12:30 Ladies Lunch Arrivals & 2nd XV Player Arrival
13:00 First Course Is Served
13:00 1st XV Player Arrival and Cafe and outdoor bar opens
14:00 2nd XV Kick Off
14:30 1st XV Kick Off

We look forward to welcoming you all for the first home game of 2025, Up The Rams!