THE painful truths of the perilous positions of both Southampton and Romsey came clearly into focus as both were humbled by 50-point plus reverses by their respective Surrey opponents in London Four South-West.

Both are fastened to the foot of the table with just four points to their name and time is running out, especially in view of fellow strugglers Petersfield's fine win at Old Amplefordians and Old Emanuel picking up to only lose by five on Guernsey.

Saints, travelling without a wealth of experienced first teamers, were simply no match for Dorking, collecting just Paul Brant try and an early Dave Griffiths penalty from their 53-8 defeat which does little for the points difference column.

However, Romsey were certainly more hopeful, especially on familiar territory, but they were crippled by injury and unavailability as they were treated to a second half-century mauling by Old Paulines this season.

And given the five games they have remaining, it seems remote that the Sports Centre outfit will be playing London Four South-West next term unless the stops are pulled out with some vigour.

In London Three South-West, the up-and-down nature of the league table goes on with Winchester regaining third spot thanks to a nerve-jangling 21-16 win over Chobham while Tottonians crashed to sixth following their 29-5 loss to resurgent Weybridge Vandals.

Winchester tried their best to throw victory away again after leading 18-6 at the interval but an early second half try from the hosts set the wobbles off and as the game turned nasty late on, Barry Bridgman's side held on.

Shoulder injuries to hooker Miles Northover, stand-off James Weeks and winger Ange Mariani were all contributing factors to Totts' miserable afternoon in Surrey as they clocked up a second straight defeat - this time beaten by Weybridge Vandals 29-5.