The see-saw battle to win Snows Group Hampshire 1 continued when Petersfield moved back to the top of the table as New Milton were without a fixture.

An emphatic 82-3 victory over Chineham meant Petersfield drew level with Milton on 79 points – but the New Forest side do have a game in hand.

Romsey’s thoughts are already on the next campaign, having secured their Hampshire 1 place for next season following promotion last term.

They lost out 37-29 at second-from-bottom Farnborough at the weekend but saw enough positive rugby from every department to give them confidence for the future.

Captain Dan Penn Newman said: “We are encouraged with the strength in depth of the Romsey squad.

“Everyone who played gave their all, which is all that can be asked for, and we look forward to next year when we will be stronger and pushing for a higher position."

Romsey did earn a point for their efforts with tries from centre Gus Layton, man of the match Aaron Gallagher, winger Sam Sleap and replacement fullback Jim Windibank. Scrum half Robbie Heighway made four kicks from five.

Fordingbridge were made to fight hard for their 29-15 bonus point win in a disjointed home clash with Fareham Heathens.

Heathens opened the scoring with a penalty but it was not long before Arche Gavin responded for Bridge, his jinking run breaking through the defence.

The home side added a penalty before Mark Hammond got his name on the scoresheet and, with the conversion made, Bridge seemed to be in control of the game.

They went further in front when Dan Brown went over in the corner for a 22-3 half-time lead.

An unstoppable charge from Alex Tattersall pushed the match further from the reach of the visitors but they never gave up the chase and finished the second half with the upper hand after crossing the line twice.

Ellingham & Ringwood colt Matt Raybould made and outstanding debut for his side which earned him the club’s man of the match award. However, it was a bad day at the office for the New Forest side at Sandown & Shanklin.

The home team won 46-9 with Es’ points coming from three Josh Butcher penalties.