THE relief was evident as Havant broke their National League Division Three South duck with a hard-working 17-10 victory over previously unbeaten Dings Crusaders at a rain-soaked Hooks Lane.

It was another performance where the wind had an influence as Havant held their Bristol-based visitors to just a try in the first half, replying with a Steve Claffey drop goal.

With the wind behind them, Cam Avery took advantage of Matt Morgan's drive forward to score and Claffey added three further penalties to surge the hosts into a 17-5 advantage with ten minutes remaining.

However, Dings were not finished and winger Edwards posted a second to set up a grandstand finish, but Havant held out to move themselves off the foot.

Director of Rugby Adam King enthused: "In our best performance of the season we showed that, by competing with one of the leaders, we are capable of holding our own in this league.

"Providing we can stay relatively injury free over the next few weeks, we should start to climb the table."

An interval lead of 10-0 might not have been enough for Gosport & Fareham to hold onto, but a solid defensive performance proved it was as the peninsular side conceded a single penalty to Guildford, eventually winning 10-3 in London Two South.

But had Guildford winger James Baxter not fumbled late on, it could have been so different.

"Both sides tried to play rugby," admitted Gosport skipper Simon Burns, "but it was hard work and not a day for pretty rugby. Guildford pressured us and got away with a lot of off-side decisions and it spoilt a lot of our game. But we controlled it well and came away with the win we needed."