GILES Matthews and Egyptian international Hamoza notched hat-tricks as Hamble fired an eight-goal second-half salvo to sink Hampshire/Surrey Regional League rivals London Edwardians 11-3 at Satchell Lane.

The rout gave Hamble's goal difference a timely and significant boost and left the Watersiders tucked in third place, one point behind Epsom, who caned Southampton 7-1.

Hamble, who could hardly have begun the new year in better shape than beating promotion rivals Epsom and Woking, laboured into a 3-1 interval lead through Hamoza, Paul Barber and younger brother Steve, who finished off a fine flowing move. Former Winchester man Nick Tout replied with a penalty flick for Edwardians, but they were completely over-run after the break.

Steve Barber notched his second - and 24th goal of the season - before Hamoza completed his second hat-trick since his arrival from Egypt.

Olympic teammate Ezz scored twice, but it was Giles Matthews who was first to the Hamble club bar after celebrating his first top-level hat-trick in seven years.

The 11-goal spree took Hamble's tally for the season to 64, but with half that number conceded, they are still eight goals adrift of Epsom in what could develop into a tight promotion scrap.

Hamble face relegation-threatened Southampton at the Sports Centre on Saturday (1.30).