It was a case of mixed emotions for Fawley as they shocked league leaders Guernsey but are still searching for their first victory of the season, despite playing their part in a 78-point cracker at Holbury.
Captain Ian Cromar urged his winless side to stand up and be counted against the unbeaten Channel Islanders and they did not disappoint, running the visitors ragged and pushing them to the limit before going down 48-30.
However, it proved to not be quite enough and Guernsey pulled away late in the game but Cromar, one of the try scorers along veteran Mike MacDonald and winger Steve Eaton, was very pleased with his team's efforts.
"We were phenomenal but disappointed not to have won as we ran them hard, won a lot of ball in the rucks and mauls and pressured them," he said. "I think, though, that it woke them up as they thought it would be easy."
He had a word for the referee, who he ranked as "superb and allowed the game to flow."
Trojans, on the receiving end over the Channel last week, crashed again against a resilient New Milton & District side 15-13, a result that takes the Foresters to fourth and sinks the hosts to seventh.
But had a long-range Trojans penalty hit its target in the last minute, the result could have gone the other way but Milton emerged victorious despite the home sides' plan of regular attacking which saw them run most of the ball they had.
New Milton's defence held firm, however, and when Bryn Darbyshire cut his way up the middle of the field to score under the posts from the restart following Owen Thomas' penalty, Trojans were behind for the first time and, despite their efforts, could not peg it back.
"For sheer determination, doggedness and sticking at it, the team deserve all the praise that comes their way," said New Milton coach Norman Cracknell.
Fareham Heathens are just a place behind the Forest men after stinging previously unbeaten Sandown & Shanklin for the second time in succession on their own turf with an excellent performance in triumphing 25-7.
They allowed the Hurricanes very little and only some indiscipline in the final five minutes gifted the home side their points but it was a day for Heathens to treasure, tying the home side down in the forwards and releasing their own backs to good effect.
"We clearly wanted to win and did so," said pleased skipper Mark Dunning. "There was a big improvement in the way we approached and played the game. The unity and support around the field was much improved."
An under-strength Eastleigh were cast adrift by Farnborough 39-5 but came away with heads high especially in the defence department where Arnie Payne, Clive Wooding and Pete Noonan all performed admirably.
Millbrook, however, were dominated by the Isle of Wight forwards and were second best to the second-placed visitors 26-17.
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