Petersfield slipped to defeat against United Services, losing by 34 runs in their County Division 2 encounter at Burnaby Road in Portsmouth.
Batting first on a firm wicket with a tinge of green, Services got off to a flyer. Indeed Field did well to peg the league high-flyers back to 55 for 2 and later 69 for 4, with Barnes (2-25 off 10 overs) instrumental in applying the squeeze and removing the dangerous May for 36.
However Robbins (52) and Hounsome (52*) came together in a vital 92-run partnership for the fifth wicket, helping to propel Services to a healthy-looking 206 for 7 after 45 overs. Nevertheless Petersfield at the interval were pretty satisfied to have restricted their opponents to that score after the early flurry of runs.
It might have been better still but for a few dropped catches and some loose fielding on the lush outfield, the grass being grown in preparation for the United States rugby team using the ground as their training base for the forthcoming Rugby World Cup.
Petersfield started solidly in reply and were not far behind the rate at drinks. However Services’ slow bowlers Easton and Joy gradually tightened their grip and wickets fell as Field chased the game, with no fewer than seven players caught in the ring or the deep. Opener Thomas top scored with 36.
The defeat means that hopes of promotion were all but dashed for this season but the side will aim to finish a successful term on a high next week in their final league fixture against Andover IIs at the Heath.
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