PJF Injury Set Back Continues

After 30 minutes they lost their influential half back pairing, then the replacement front row and finally their impressive open side flanker.

With several first XV contenders out already the missing list has now mounted to unprecedented levels, leaving the club flummoxed as to what is happening. The winning score line flattered to deceive as PJF made a good fist of this match against a high flying and very capable opponent. The team spirit was strong throughout and passages of play were sufficient to assure onlookers that PJF are perfectly entitled to be competing at this level.

The game started with both sides in respectful mood but it was PJF that took the initiative as Hove strove to get the journey out of their systems. An early penalty opportunity was missed as PJF tried to capitalise on their dominant territorial advantage, another miss soon followed and the visitors breathed again. PJF's pack worked hard throughout, the line outs worked well and despite their scrum being under pressure, they managed to secure sufficient possession to release their back line who looked potent and capable of breaching the well organised visiting XV.

Then two phases of unforced errors allowed Hove to score and take a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. First the ball hung in the breeze as PJF looked to pass themselves out of their half, the Hove backs pounced and run in unchallenged. Then after an enterprising phase of attack, PJF lost the ball in a maul and were chasing the visiting side's flanker as he ran hard and with good support he offloaded and another score was made.

PJF contributed to the pressure they were then under by not making touch with their kicks from hand. The opponents back three proved effective in returning the loose kicks and then linked up with the pack allowing them to drive on and secure vital yardage. From such an attack the Hove backs followed up a kick through, gathered and released their flying winger to score in the corner finishing the half 19-0 ahead.

After the break the re-arranged PJF XV took some time to settle down. Unfortunately during this period the visitors extended their lead by processing quick possession and freeing their winger into the corner again. After this PJF hit a good rhythm and started to hit back and put Hove on the back foot. This spirited phase resulted in good re-cycling and effective short breaks around the breakdowns. Eventually PJF fly half Fisher broke through the line to score under the posts, this was successfully converted.

A good break by the visiting winger was thwarted by Leather whose tackle stopped a certain try. From the resulting play and territorial advantage Hove slotted a 3 point penalty. Realising that PJF were capable of hitting back Hove dug deep and sealed the match with another try in the left hand corner.

Another fine defensive display by centre Campbell-Carson was rounded off as he latched onto the final pass in a flowing PJF move that saw him float over with a score to finish the match at 12-34.

PJF took a lot of positives from this match and feel that once their bad luck with injuries clears up, they should start giving a better account of themselves.