The Counts were boosted by the return of three key players in full-back Ross Norton, centre Harry Wrightson and hooker Callum Tilleray, but it soon became apparent that they were facing highly-skilled opponents. Petersfield’s inside-centre, Matt Momber, opened their account with a try in the fourth minute after taking a reverse pass and breaking the Walcountians’ defensive cover and, although a penalty from the Counts full-back Ross Norton narrowed the lead a minute later, Momber was on target again in the 12th minute to extend the home side’s lead. When Petersfield full-back Tom Land won the race to a grubber kick in the 16th minute, the match looked over for Walcountians.

However, the Counts responded by raising their game, with the forwards putting on an impressive show in both the set scrums and open play, with Callum Tilleray and lock Pete Thomas outstanding. Throughout the second quarter, Walcountians laid siege to the Petersfield line and it took some solid defending to keep the Counts at bay. In the 22nd minute, they were rewarded when Callum Tilleray drove over for a try and, barely minutes after the second half had started, acting skipper Harry Wrightson finished off a threequarter move with a try which Ross Norton converted. This put the Counts within one score of taking the lead.

However, Petersfield were far from finished and tries by left-winger Miles Sampson and outside-centre Lloyd Sampson and a penalty from fly-half Nick Blumlein effectively won the game by the 20th minute of the second half.

Walcountians proved they had resolve in the face of adversity and a converted try for prop Remy Claustres after driving over from short range in the final minute was a just reward for their efforts.

Walcountians now stand in seventh place in London League South West and, next Saturday, take on Old Georgians at their Clock House ground. Kick-off is at 2:30pm.

Old Walcountians:- Norton, Erhirhe, Wrightson, Bateman, Togbolah, Cleary, Henderson (James), Evans, Tilleray, Claustres, Lawrence, Thomas, Bellringer, Housden, Henderson (Joe).

Subs:- Harris, Rees.