It’s the big Christmas fixture, as we welcome our local rivals from West Sussex, as Chichester comes to Penns Place aiming to turn their season around. It is the annual Christmas lunch beforehand, which has been sold out for months now and will be a raucous occasion for all attending!

There is no denying that the season has been difficult for Petersfield so far. With 4 wins out of a possible 12, the high flying start has been slightly diminished by recent results. The coaches and the players will not let this get in the way of finishing the year on the high and getting their momentum ready for the new year ahead.

Chichester have struggled this season, amassing only two wins on their season, losing their last 5 matches. The last time these two teams faced off, it was an extremely physical encounter, which had Petersfield pinned against the odds and facing a large deficit entering the second half. The Red and Green pack, led by forwards coach Andy Patience, were able to rally together and push the team over the try line on multiple occasions, with all tries being scored off the back of the rolling maul. Dan Sargent and Jack Janaway were both able to pick up braces in this fixture so they will be hoping to put on a similarly dominant display.

Despite their campaign woes, Chichester have still managed to put up a good point scoring display, achieving 293 points total and 6 try bonus points. It is seemingly their defence though which may have let them down, as they have conceded 462 points, providing a points difference of -169. ‘Field should not underestimate them however, as they travel to Penns Place with fire in their bellies as they seek revenge from our previous meeting this season.

DoR Matt McLean and the rest of the coaching staff would have been scratching their brains this week in what seemed to be a competitive week for the 20 man training squad selected.

At the front, Ryan Wilkie starts at loosehead as he looks set to go on paternity leave until March. His partners include Sam Brown at the hook and top try scorer and captain Dan Sargent in the tighthead. In the engine room, Petersfield’s very own giant Oli Hunt starts alongside slightly smaller giant and Croatia international Franko Tomic. One change in the back row from last week sees Jack Janaway replace concussed Nic Wilde at blindside flanker, with Karter Whittock starting openside and Matt Momber taking the Number 8 shirt.

Alex Duffus starts at scrum half with Nick Blumlein calling the shots at fly half. An unchanged midfield as Joe Knowles and George Davis continue their recent centre partnership.

A big congratulations to current Petersfield and Hampshire Under 18 star Jamie Guthrie who makes both his senior and 1st XV debut following an impressive run of form. He starts at 11 whilst youth graduate Ethan Horsfall takes the number 14 shirt.

A huge welcome to new signing Brad Caparo who makes his debut at full back for Petersfield RFC having made the transfer to Penns Place from Brighton this week

Big news on the bench as Jackson Clarke returns on loan again as he seeks to gain match fitness for what will be a big 2025 for him at National League outfit Tonbridge Juddians. Ryan Morse will be looking to make an impact as he takes the number 16 shirt. And a massive welcome back to DoR and 23/24 top try scorer Matt McLean who looks set to make his first appearance in the red white and green since May!

Your Rams Set To Face Chichester

1. Ryan Wilkie
2. Sam Brown
3. Dan Sargent (c)
4. Oli Hunt
5. Franko Tomic
6. Jack Janaway
7. Karter Whittock
8. Matt Momber

9. Alex Duffus
10. Nick Blumlien
11. Ethan Horsfall
12. Joe Knowles
13. George Davis
14. Jamie Guthrie*
15. Brad Caparo*

16. Jackson Clark
17. Ryan Morse
18. Matt McLean

* Denotes Player Making Their Debut

An incredibly strong side and a sold out lunch… you don’t want to miss this! Timings are as followed:

12:30 Christmas Lunch Arrivals
13:00 First Course Is Served
13:30 Player Arrival and Cafe and outdoor bar opens
15:00 Kick Off

We look forward to welcoming you all for the final competitive game of 2024, Up The Rams!