Romsey remain rooted to the bottom of the table after being comprehensively outpointed by Old Amplefordians at the Sports Centre last Saturday.

Playing against a strong wind in the first half, Romsey did well to keep the score to 12-3 at half-time with a strong defensive display preventing any tries.

In fact, Romsey came closest to try scoring when a series of scrums and rucks close to the visitors' line saw Graham Noble only inches away. Unfortunately, he suffered an ankle injury at this point and had to retire just before the interval.

With a key player missing Romsey reorganised and continued to contest the exchanges in vigorous fashion. Old Amplefordians, however, were first to cross the goal line to make the score 19-3. There followed a dour struggle between the two packs, but a series of ruck-and-maul infringements eventually saw two Romsey forwards simultaneously yellow-carded.

The Romsey supporters knew that the contest was more or less over at that point. Old Amplefordians took full advantage, and ran in a series of tries to put the outcome beyond doubt.

True to the spirit they have shown all season Romsey battled on, and when restored to a full fifteen gave the visitors something to think about.

The Romsey forwards were not to be humbled. Winning some good ball in the set pieces late in the game, the pack set up a couple of classic back row/scrum-half moves from which Romsey surged towards the visitors' line.

Deservedly, Adam Coe finished off a slick movement by scoring near the posts, and Nick Creal's conversion left Romsey with a well deserved 10 points.

Overall this was a disappointing afternoon for Romsey, but supporters can take comfort from aspects of the game. Once again Graham Lusty's tackling was faultless, newcomer Pete Guille looked very promising in the centre and Gavin Harbour's versatility showed when he moved successfully into the fly-half berth. Romsey: N Creal; G Lusty, P Guille, G Harbour, G Francis: G Noble, D Sharpe: J Fenn, J Glanville, I Panton: S Coe, P Duquemin: JJ Barber, A Gerrrett, R Worley; Subs used:- S Arthur, S McCormick, A LeMarechal.

This weekend Romsey travel to league leaders Guernsey, while the second XV are scheduled for a home game against New Milton (2.30 kick-off).