ANDOVER Rugby Club Thirds triumphed 10-0 at Petersfield on Saturday as they completed their last away game of the season with their unbeaten record still in tact.

The All Blacks faced tough opposition from a determined Petersfield on the day however, with strong contact from the off.

Big runs from Phil McCann, Danny Gillan and Hywel Inglis were halted by the home sides defence.

The lineouts were evenly contested and Petersfield put Andover on the back foot for a significant period as they held the league leaders in their own half.

After 15 minutes of a tough forwards game Andover were awarded a penalty which Josh Gibbs, who has kicked nearly a hundred points so far this season, stepped up confidently to dispatch.

Unfortunately Gibbs poked it wide, as he did another two penalties during the game.

Paul Gilbert and his backs didn’t see much of the ball but when they did they made some good yardage and it was from a turnover near the end of the first half that saw the only try of the game.

Bert Baxter won a scrum against the head and with the scrum wheeling Gillan broke off the back, sucked in the opposition defence and popped the ball to Scott Westwood who steam trained over the line, converted by Gibbs.

Andover continued to keep the pressure on going into half time with the score 0-7.

With a few fresh legs at half time Andover continued to dominate the set pieces, but being unusually lethargic at the breakdown, the All Blacks were made to pay by the home side as their bigger forwards won the game’s turn over battle.

Despite the home side having 60 per cent of the possession and territory they could not seem to turn the pressure into points.

The All Blacks defence was again in top form as Wayne Jones and Jason Corney tackled with the usual ferocity.

As the last quarter began Andover stood firm and began to find their rhythm and were deep into the opposition half when a dangerous tackle on Jones handed Andover a penalty.

Skipper Bert Baxter opted for the penalty kick which Gibbs slotted between the posts.

Petersfield played the last five minutes with pride and passion in an attempt to get some reward.

But with Andover’s superior scrummage they denied them a last gasp effort.

The result means Andover are now seven points clear at the top of the North Hampshire Merit Table.

Manager Danny Gillan said: “This was the poorest performance the season.

“However the team did very well against a strong and determined opposition.”