New Milton & District are the new surprise leaders of Hampshire Division One, but on the evidence shown in beating Farnborough, there is no surprise about it - for they will be serious promotion contenders come the end of the season.

This 27-10 success over the previous table-toppers was unexpected after the first quarter of the game, but as time progressed was much deserved as they out-thought the North Hampshire club in attack and defence.

In fact, it was all Farnborough and anything like a victory for the New Foresters seemed doubtful as they unrelentingly produced the plays, but their own indiscipline around the tight was letting them down and Milton got away without conceding until the 18th minute.

Skipper Rob Gibson's chip and chase and subsequent tap on was taken on by Fijian Kepili Mataulu, who injured himself in releasing winger Paul Tyrrell for the opening score, which Mark Ashton converted.

At that stage, there was really only one side in the game but this New Milton side are not to be underestimated and their comeback from that score was swift and decisive.

Steve Broomfield, in his preferred outside centre position cut, swerved, sidestepped and switched through the visitors' defence once his opposite number Phil Morgan had missed the crucial tackle to score a sensational try that Tottonians were used to last season before he moved on.

Watcyn Lewis converted well but Ashton responded with a penalty immediately to restore the advantage, but once again it was short lived as Jamie Ramsey lunged over, gaining enough downward pressure on the ball to claim the score on the half hour.

Ramsey should have added a second moments later but inexplicably dropped the ball with the line at his mercy that should have opened up a clear gap at the interval, rather than just the two points.

That honour was left to Ricky Everingham, having used the forwards' hard work to cut through for their third for minutes into the second half, which virtually closed out the game, although Farnborough did have opportunities which were scuppered by the stout Milton defending.

Lewis added a penalty before replacement prop Richard Brewer, who was excellent on being introduced to cover the sin-binning of Gary Brooks, fed winger Dan Oliver after Welshman Lewis's chip was well collected by Ben Rainbow.

It moves Norman Cracknell's side into pole position in Hampshire One, which is testimony to the work that he and the players have put in over the last eighteen successful months. "Very good," he exclaimed. "We are playing some good rugby at the moment.

"I would say that is down to the hard work the players are putting in training and the fact they are listening to what we and the whole club want to achieve."

Captain Matt Rule was also delighted to see his side sitting pretty at the top.

"This was a very strong performance from the squad, as that is what we are trying to get here at New Milton."