It's all change at the top of Hampshire Division 1.
Fareham Heathens upset Isle of Wight's three-month unbeaten run to allow Trojans top billing and Guernsey second place in the big switch around.
Two first-half carbon copy pushover tries, the first from hooker Nick Weston and the second through lock Trevor Illingworth, both following lineout catch-and-drives eased home side Heathens into a 12-0 interval lead.
And the previous league leaders, who had not lost since the opening weekend of the season, never looked like penetrating the Fareham line as the red and blacks continued to pin the Islanders deep in their half, although failing to add to their tally.
"This was an important win for us both physiologically and for our league standing," said a thrilled Heathens captain Mark Dunning. "I am very pleased with the way individuals and the team played.
"We stuck to our game plan and competed for the full 80 minutes, as I asked the team to do. This was an excellent team effort."
Isle of Wight slip to third behind new leaders Trojans, who trounced luckless Fawley with eight tries - but most came in the second half once the hosts had worn down the spirited resilience of the Watersiders.
Skipper Russell Clarke weighed in with a personal haul of four while James Pennington hoisted two as the backs enjoyed themselves, running almost at will once tactical changes in the second half had released their full flow.
"We are coming into the right frame of mind now," felt coach Pete Surtees. "The back line played really well and I am over the moon with them, especially with the second half performance."
But he had some pleasant words for their opponents. "Fawley gave us a real scare in the first half and I have nothing but praise for them for that. It was a very spirited performance from them."
Guernsey moved back into second but relied upon three Millbrook errors for their three tries in a 17-0 win on the Channel Island. They had to wait until just before the interval to break the deadlock, such was the visitors' tenaciousness.
Millbrook defended stoutly to keep the free-flowing Guernsey side at bay, while the home team did similarly to prevent Dean Weaver's men from breaking through in an enjoyable encounter, tarnished by a horrific moment involving the hosts' fly-half Velde van der Heever.
Van der Heever, having taken three innocuous looking tackles but knocking his head in each, collapsed and was drifting in and out of consciousness as paramedics were called and he was rushed to the nearby hospital on Guernsey.
The young South African was severely concussed and will be out of action for the maximum twelve weeks.
New Milton & District have started the new year with the serious bit between their teeth and turned in an outstanding performance to crush troubled Eastleigh 49-15 to move up to fourth.
Two tries from full-back Phil Jenner led the way for the Foresters as they picked off the injury-ravaged Bishopstoke side with a showing that had outgoing coach Norman Cracknell purring with delight.
"Big tackles were made, the handling was good and both backs and forwards carried out their specific functions with an air of determination," he said. "Why can't we play like this every week?"
Wayne Hayward mounted a rearguard for the visitors with a brace of tries as they played with more effort after the break, especially through Dan Jackson, Colin McArdle and Phil Campling - his appearance from the bench making a difference.
"We were just not in it," felt Brian Russell-Taylor. "With so many players out injured, it is a struggle but we will carry on and continue to battle."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article