THERE was a limited programme of friendly matches played but two sides battling against relegation from their respective leagues claimed useful, morale-boosting victories.

Fawley, who face the drop to Hampshire Three if they do not win their last two matches against Lytchett Minster and Ellingham & Ringwood, recorded a decent win over touring side Old Newtonians from Leicester.

The mid-table Midlands 4 East (South) side, who played host to Fawley two years ago, were repaid the compliment by the Watersiders but three converted tries ensured the Hampshire side won 21-15 in a free-flowing match.

Si Hillam and Dave Hart ran in for the hosts before they were given a penalty try and skipper Lee Haisman was satisfied to have picked up the win. "We had a bit of fun," he said, "and it was good to be able to take a win into the remaining games."

Meanwhile, New Milton & District, fighting against the slide from Hampshire One, hammered Andover II 38-0 with Ali Neal running in twice.

Paxton Pumas were narrowly beaten in their friendly with Trojans III, going down by a single point 27-26.