PAXTON PUMAS' dream of recahing Hampshire Division Two is hanging by a thread after they were denied 17-14 by fellow chasers East Dorset.

The Titchfield-based side saw a last-minute try disallowed and must now rely upon the two sides in fourth and fifth doing them a favour. It was frustrating for the fledgling club but they will have to beat winless Stoneham and look to Verwood and Overton to save their bacon.

Hampshire Two Eastleigh are still clinging to promotion hopes with two games remaining, despite trailing second-placed Ellingham and Ringwood by four points and points difference.

Ellingham moved to within a game of their first ever season in Hampshire One when they won 10-3 at Chineham while Eastleigh dominated their clash with Fordingbridge but failed to take chances in their 18-7 win.

Birthday-boy Martin Kirby opened for Eastleigh and replacement Joe Butler drove over from a line-out. Tony Godden replied for the Foresters - but too late.

Fawley, however, will need to pull out all the stops if they are to stave off a second successive drop after they lost their 'must-win' game at Ventnor to remain four points from safety with two matches to play.