Cobham knew that they were facing a tough match, playing away against Petersfield, the team currently lying third in London South West Four, who like Cobham had not lost a game this season, writes Tony Maddocks.

But league leaders Cobham again performed well in the opening half to build up a significant lead with tries from Mark Bennett, Nick Sutton and Matt Lawrence and demonstrated an excellent level of performance from both the forwards and backs.

The pack played exceptionally well with props Angus Daryll-Warren and Tristan Lee providing strength in the front row and they put Petersfield under severe pressure in the scrum throughout the match.

In the second half however, Petersfield stepped up a gear with more possession and some good tactical play which forced Cobham into defence in their own half and gave the home side a distinct territorial advantage.

Cobham defended exceptionally well but demonstrated the main difference between the two sides which was related the confidence and speed of the Cobham threequarters.

The backs eventually broke out of defence at tremendous pace, Jack Davison and the speedy Matt Lawrence scoring two more tries to put the result beyond doubt.

Petersfield deservedly scored a try at the end of the game to make the scoreline more realistic but the result was another win for the league leaders which again boosted their confidence.

Cobham started the match well, attacking the home side with vigour in the opening minutes, and were soon awarded a penalty when Petersfield failed to stop a Cobham drive in the scrum.

Chris Perry's excellent penalty kick forced a lineout deep in the Petersfield 22 and from a well taken catch, the Cobham pack drove for the line, Mark Bennett scoring the try to put the visitors in the lead.

Chris Taylor extended the lead with an excellent penalty goal from nearly 40 metres and then Petersfield responded with a penalty from full back Andy Barnes.

With only ten minutes left in the half Cobham suddenly surged into a significant lead with a couple of tries to establish an important position.

The first try came from a break by Gavin Hart at the base of the scrum and he was able to release the ball for the backs to move at pace, the ball going right across the line, full back Nick Sutton taking a well timed pass from Martin Green to sprint around the defence and score under the posts, Chris Parry converting.

Then a smart catch in the lineout by Matt Hahn gave Cobham good possession for a second move, and winger Matt Lawrence showed exception speed and skill to round two defenders then cutting inside to score under the posts.

From the kick-off in the second half Petersfield were able to take play deep into the Cobham 22 and for the first time were able to build up continuous pressure.

Despite some Cobham counter-attacks which resulted in another successful Chris Parry penalty, Petersfield kept up the pressure forcing a scrum on the Cobham line.

Cobham showed that their defence was exceptionally well organised and Petersfield were unable to break through at this stage.

Having defended well Cobham then started to find their top form with several moves, but were just a little ambitious in the final stages and possession was lost.

Eventually their class told, Matt Lawrence running through a few tackles to gain ground and the excellent support from both backs and forwards gave Jack Davison the chance to finish off the move with a try under the posts.

From the re-start Petersfield were unable to control the ball which went loose, and Lawrence picked up at speed and out-sprinted the defence to score a brilliant individual try in the corner, Steve Burton converting with an exception kick from the touchline.

With the match clearly won, Cobham relaxed a little and allowed Petersfield back into the match.

A good tackle by James Green prevented a certain Petersfield try but in the final minutes the home side worked their way to the Cobham line and Jon-Jo Conway forced his way over the line for the home side's first try.

Having won a critical match, Cobham now face London Cornish away next week to see if their current form is sufficient to beat all the good sides in the league.

Cobham: N Sutton, M Green, D Taylor, S Burton, M Lawrence; C Perry, S Franks; T Lee, M Bennett, A Daryll-Warren, M Hahn, I Keyser, S Mills, J Davison, G Hart