Double delight for Petersfield as league win also earns them a place in Hampshire Vase final

Petersfield's Greg Jansen, with the ball, was among the try scorers in the win against Shanklin. Picture: Vernon Nash

As a double-header they not only earned a bonus point league win but also progressed into the final of the Hampshire Vase.

They now hold a 12-point lead at the top of the Hampshire Premier ahead of Alton, who have a game in hand, as they bid to return to London 3 South West at the first time of asking.

Petersfield will meet either Fordingbridge, Millbrook or Basingstoke in the Vase final on April 25.

Coach Jim Pearce said: ‘We knew with it being a league and cup double that the Hurricanes would come with a strong squad, and so it proved.

'From the off they showed themselves worthy of their fourth place in the league and the fact they haven’t won away from home since October meant nothing.

'They defended well, carried hard and made life very tough.

'We started the second half with more structure and worked patiently through the phases, grinding them down.

'Sitting at the top means we are there to be shot at and teams will raise their game.

'The players cannot become complacent, they need to be switched on from the moment they arrive at the ground to the end of the game.'

The opening 40 minutes were probably the worst of the season so far from the home side.

Despite 'Field's dominance, the Hurricanes broke out to score first courtesy of some weak tackling.

It took until the end of the half for 'Field to draw level through a Jordan Allan try.

In the second half the home side showed the drive and sense of purpose that had been missing in the first.

Winger Elliott Carrington went in for a try and midway through the period full-back Will Matthews grounded Allan's chip.

In the final ten minutes Greg Jansen and Zak Jenkins added further tries with Nick Blumlein adding a conversion with the only successful kick of the afternoon.

Also in the Hampshire Premier, relegation-battling Fareham Heathens picked up a much-needed win against Ellingham & Ringwood at Cams Alders.

Heathens moved to within a point of third from bottom Eastleigh II but have played two games more.

Locksheath Pumas moved to the top of Hampshire One with a 22-14 home win against Ventnor.

Pumas hold a one-point lead over Chichester II who have a game in hand.