TIME has been called on Southampton's fourth stint of London Division rugby as they suffered their 12th defeat of this most arduous of seasons, a 31-7 reverse to mid-table Old Amplefordians.

With a weakened team that was minus almost half a side of regulars, including skipper Marcus Coffin, they were realistically never at the races in this crucial, re-arranged encounter.

In unaccustomed warm conditions the players took a while to settle, hence the sluggish first half which only saw Amplefordians score one try and Southampton create little.

The hosts posted a further penalty before Dave Griffiths scored a simple try from the back of a scrum, which he also converted, to keep Saints interested in the clash.

But three tries in quick succession shut down all their interest and sent the second Hampshire club back to Hampshire One after Romsey were cast adrift some weeks ago.

It was a desperately disappointing performance but given the side that was fielded, it seems the Saints were already resigned to their fate.

They now have a chance to rebuild and prepare for life in the county leagues - once again!

Up in National League Three South, Havant lost fifth place but more than played their part in their home defeat to promotion play-off chasing Redruth, scoring two tries to one in losing 19-15.

Some early indiscipline allowed the Cornishmen to start the brighter but Cam Avery, the second highest try scorer in the league this season, flew in during the opening quarter to put Havant ahead.

It was short-lived, however, as Redruth showed why they are in contention to move into a comfortable lead early in the second half, although their try came through a penalty try but Havant refused to lay down.

Anton Petzer drove through the centre to close the arrears to just four points towards the end but Redruth held out and Havant again had given one of the top sides an almighty scare.

Director of Rugby Adam King was disappointed as they had the chances. "Such is the attitude within the dressing room at the moment, we are disappointed we did not win but we took the odd wrong option and made too many unforced errors."