AFTER another dour struggle in dire weather conditions at Petersfield, Romsey just failed to secure another narrow win.

Petersfield started much the better team, especially in the backs, and scored a converted try within minutes of the kick-off. Romsey rallied manfully with their usual sterling effort in the forwards, and set about disrupting the Petersfield pack so as to give the hosts' enterprising backs less of a free run with the ball.

Two well taken penalties by full-back Nick Creal brought the score to 7-6 before Petersfield scored another try to retake the lead at 12-6. A further penalty by Creal and then a splendid try by Tim Darby, for the third week in succession, after a forward drive in Petersfield's corner gave Romsey a half-time lead of 14-12.

The second half saw Petersfield continually on the attack and Romsey defending, sometimes desperately, to keep them out. A revamped Petersfield pack was now competing more effectively with the Romsey eight. With better possession, a determined set of backs and the slope in their favour, it was inevitable that Petersfield would score sooner or later. It turned out to be late in the second half that the winning score came, with a well-taken try down Petersfield's left wing.

The Romsey defence had almost held out. Despite some errors, the whole team defended well to keep Petersfield to just one score in the second half. Gavin Harbour, deputising at fly-half, put in a tremendous defensive effort and tackled stupendously all afternoon. Nick Creal saved the situation a couple of times with some neat fielding and pick-ups off his toes, but it was all to no avail and Romsey lost to a side that had, after all, scored three tries to Romsey's one.

There is no doubt, however, that Romsey are capable of winning the return match in April when Petersfield visit the Sports Centre.