Eastleigh got special permission to play their Gales HSB Hampshire Bowl match against Guernsey side St Jacques instead of an outstanding league match – and the decision paid off.

The London 3 South-West side moved into the semi-finals of the competition with a 28-6 victory.

Eastleigh were the home side but flew out to the Channel Islands – a kind gesture on St Jacques’ part rather than anything to do with the weather!

St Jacques played well for the first ten minutes of each half but never really bothered Eastleigh in wet and windy conditions.

Eastleigh’s scores came courtesy of a penalty try, with Adam Gallagher, Geordie Weatherall and Huw Toner crossing the line and Jon Lynch slotting home four conversions.

Captain Russell Smith – named Pipestock man of the match – said: “It was an excellent result considering the weather conditions and journey. St Jacques played well but our dominant forwards and positional kicking won us the game.”