AN INJURY-TIME last-gasp try from James Fuller brought home a rare win - 10-7 - for Hampshire Division Three strugglers Stoneham in their friendly fixture with a strengthened Fawley II.
In miserable conditions, the Eastleigh-based side took the lead through newly acquired pace merchant Scott McGuire before Fawley posted a well-taken converted effort of their own.
The game seemed to be leaving Stoneham with another defeat before Fuller opened up and ran in for the match winner, which was greeted with joyous celebration. "It was as if we had won the league," said skipper Richard Legge.
"Hopefully, this will bring some confidence into us as we look to win at least one league game this season but with matches against the top two, Kingsclere and Paxton Pumas, we know it will be difficult."
The Pumas came off second best at home to Merit Table promotion chasing Havant III 27-12 in a free-flowing contest.
Eastleigh, however, had little trouble playing into the wild conditions as they built up a 22-3 lead on their way to a 30-10 victory over a youthful Tottonians II.
Tries from Martin Kirby, Gareth Carson and the impressive Phil Campling drove the hosts clear but the game became more even in the second as Totts claimed a converted try before Jim Longhurst rounded off a personally fine game with a score.
Coach Kevin Byron-Butler, who came on as an early replacement, was very pleased. "It was an outstanding performance from the forwards and the running of the backs was also excellent."
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