Petersfield continued their perfect start to the Hampshire Counties One campaign with a comprehensive 102-0 win against Alton in the East Hampshire derby.

Petersfield welcomed Alton to Penns Place expecting a tight encounter – as so often has been the case in this local derby.

Petersfield had demolished the opposition by half-time and went on to add to the agony for a determined and spirited Alton in what was a try fest for the hosts.

Sixteen tries helped seal a five-point win – and a points difference over the first two games of the league season of plus 147 sees Petersfield at the top of the Hampshire Counties One table.

Petersfield used almost ten minutes of the first half to size up their visitors, and it seemed the game would be close when centre Matt McLean received the ball on the right wing – having looped from the centre – to touch down for a converted try.

McLean’s try set off an avalanche of Petersfield tries with second row Franco Tomic dotting down twice, McLean completing his hat-trick and captain Matt Momber and scum half Alex Duffus adding one try each.

Fly half Nick Blumlein added three conversions to give the home side a commanding 43-0 lead at half-time.

Petersfield added 59 points in the second half through three more tries from McLean, two each by full back Tom Land and winger George Davies, one from centre Greg Jansen and another from Momber.

Blumlein added 14 points from conversions.

Alton never took a step back throughout the rout, and when they had a rare period of possession they attempted to break through the Petersfield defence.

Player-coach Liam Perkins expressed his satisfaction at 80 minutes of pressure play, and remarked that it was a great team effort where the whole squad contributed to the victory.

Chris Todd