Stoneham Park's captain Tiernan Simmons stood a worried man before the visit of Petersfield III.

The other sides from their division normally play their fourth XV, while the east Hampshiremen top the Merit Table Division Two.

Would it be a game too much for his youthful squad? Not a bit of it, as they gleaned a superb 17-7 victory to prepare themselves for their final league clash of the season next week against Paxton Pumas.

Tries from Nigel Franks, Steve Lines and Dean Purse were enough to wrap up the win and the skipper was delighted. "It was thoroughly enjoyable, although I was worried before the start, as they looked a really good, big side."

A revitalised New Milton & District were too quick in the backs for Fawley, as they picked up a deserved 37-21 success, although the visitors came back strongly in the second half when Fijian pair Ben Nasiri and Billy Kauwale crossed.

It was the first half though that hit Fawley hard, as Milton excelled as fly-half Bryn Darbyshire pulled all the strings and Justin Bloomfield aside him orchestrated the powerful back line. Dan Oliver, Darbyshire, winger Tom Morgan and full-back Matt Lambert all went over.

Jamie Ramsey and Ben Bradley-Watson got the forwards on the scoresheet, but Fawley's injured skipper Andy Headley was very disappointed. "Our defending was terrible in the first half, we just did not want to stop them," he said.

A heavily weakened Millbrook went to Ventnor and were taught a rugby lesson by the Hampshire Two strugglers, who ran out 41-10 victors.

Just two tries from prop Shannon Passingham and Andy O'Neill put the visitors on the board, while the hosts, through their centres and back-row, tormented Millbrook, who lost more players as the game progressed to leave them short on numbers at the end.

Fareham Heathens picked up a late friendly with Tottonians II and a physical and determined show resulted in a 23-10 triumph, a perfect fillip for their match with Nomads next week which could see them finish a career-best third.

With the visitors 'total rugby' style of play kicking in, their final try summed up their confidence, as the ball passed through numerous pairs of hands on the way to the hooker lurking on the left wing to score. "Pretty to watch," was the cry from the touchline!