WINCHESTER put a forgettable first half behind them before going on to claim the honours in the first of two London SW2 Hampshire derbies in as many weeks.

The opening 35 minutes was dominated by scrums and penalties as the stop/ start match failed to impress spectators.

However, Winch did shows signs of what was to come when they picked their game up with five minutes of the first half remaining – turning around 10-3 down.

Portsmouth captain Damian Gibbs got the only try of the half which was converted.

Fly-half Johnny Morris hit a penalty for Winch but that was cancelled out by another from counterpart Simon Morgan.

But the home side never bothered the scoreboard again as Winch stepped up the pace in the second half.

Matt Golding was the first to cross the line and Morris added the extra two points to draw level.

A great solo try from Connor Breen put the visitors in front and Alex Lee got the ball to ground following a catch-and-drive from a penalty line-out. Both scores were converted by Morris.

Winchester had to reorganise following injuries but still managed to pile on the pressure – Garrick Bainbridge claiming the important bonus point try to round off a 29-10 victory.

Winchester face newly-promoted Andover on Saturday but they will travel to North Walls in confident mood after defeating Warlingham 27-18.