Fareham Heathens almost took their Hampshire Two table-topping hosts Aldershot & Fleet too lightly in their friendly clash but just managed to squeeze out a 19-17 victory thanks to a snapping Jamie Daly try as time ran out.

With the league taking a break, the laid back attitude almost came back to haunt them as they dropped to a swift 12-0 deficit but tries from Ed Monk, his first of the season, and a tenacious effort from Trevor Illingworth from his own 22, brought back parity.

The North Hampshiremen crossed again but the missed conversion was to cost them the win as Daly ran in at the end and Niall Allardice hit the conversion to save their blushes.

Coach Matt Southey, who had been ill during the week and was not able to take training, was relieved but he said it will teach his side not to take lower league opposition without the respect they deserve.

Hampshire Three leaders Paxton Pumas came off second best in their clash with Portsmouth IV, who only turned out with 15 players and one of those was on loan from the hosts.

A Jim Lewington try late in the piece was all they could take from the game, which saw another three players given their debuts, but it was a disappointing reverse for the up-and-coming Titchfield-based side.

Elsewhere, Tottonians' fixture merry-go-round finally ended up at Havant Dolphins after Wimborne cancelled but the strong National League second string proved a formidable outfit, coming through 25-8.

And there was delight for Alresford, who put aside their league miseries to claim a morale boosting 24-17 success over local rivals Alton II.