Petersfield continue to set the pace in the Hampshire Premier as they start the new year with victory at Eastleigh

Field knew they were unlikely to repeat the 124-0 thumping victory they recorded against Eastleigh in their meeting earlier in the season.

It proved the case as the heavy going on a very muddy pitch suited the home side more than the free-wheeling Reds, although they did run out 34-7 victors.

On this occasion, the hosts were able to put out a true second 15 squad, supported by a handful of firs team players.

The teams were looking evenly matched until a high tackle in the Eastleigh 22 gifted Blumlein a shot at goal, which he slotted to open Field’s account.

Petersfield's first try soon followed as Tom Whitehouse cantered away.

The reliable Blumlein converted to give Field a 10-0 lead.

The visitors then scored again straight from the restart.

It was Whitehouse at the back scoring for the second time, giving the visitors a 15-0 lead at the break.

The second half continued much in the same vein with a good physical battle ensuing.

Field’s Ryan Morse and Jackson Clark relished the contest and it was the former who started the build-up to Field’s third try with a break on the left.

But it was left wing Andrew Wood who took all the credit, with his mazy 30-metre run beating four defenders on his way to touching down in the corner.

In response, Eastleigh piled on the pressure with 20 minutes of all-out attack, which had Field’s defence working overtime to keep them out.

But having withstood the barrage, a Morse turnover set Field on a breakout that ended with Blumlein crashing over for try number four.

A fifth try came following a Samson Carroll charge down.

Quick hands from Andy Barnes enabled Hunter to kick ahead, with Whitehouse dribbling the ball into the in-goal area to touch down to complete his hat-trick.

The final word went to Eastleigh as they exploited an overlap on the left wing in the final minute to run in a converted consolation try in the corner.

n Also in the Premiership, Fareham Heathens suffered a 39-0 defeat at Millbrook.