Fareham'S relegation fears are over. They will take their place in South Premier League, Division 1 next season after all.

The Bath Lane club was left sweating on its Premier status after finishing third from bottom.

But, when EHA National Division 2 strugglers Ipswich only managed to beat Oxford Hawks 1-0, Fareham were safe.

"Had they won by two goals, we would have been in serious trouble - and quite possibly been relegated," said a relieved Fareham coach Steve Godwin.

Instead, it's second-to-bottom Maidenhead who stand on the brink of demotion, alongside Bromley, who are certain to play in the South Premier next autumn after finishing last in EHA2.

Their fate lies firmly in the hands of Premier champions City of Portsmouth, who launch their EHA play-off bid against Bath Buccaneers at HMS Temeraire on Saturday (1.30pm).

In the meantime, Fareham can relax - and concentrate on their Hampshire Cup semi-final duel with Winchester at King School, again on Saturday (1.30pm).

It's a clash which brings together three of the area's top goalscorers - Fareham's 15-goal Jim Moseley, who lines up against Winchester's 17-strike hot shot Nick Tout and Dutch penalty corner specialist Merijen van Willigen.

"It promises to be an interesting game," Godwin said.

"Winchester play two divisions below us, but have a lot of promising young players and are a side to watch in seasons to come.

"Although we've fixed up a friendly against City tomorrow evening, we might be a little ring rusty and they'll want to take full advantage."

The winners will play EHA Division 2 neighbours Havant, who spanked City of Portsmouth 4-1 with goal-poacher Tim Davenport notching a hat-trick.

The Hampshire final is at HMS Temeraire on May 6.