Winchester'S survival instincts will be put to the test in the new year following their latest defeat (18-10 to Norwich), writes Tom Morris.

The rugby union side remain perilously close to the relegation zone after their loss to visitors Norwich, against whom the hosts had hoped to avenge their 18-8 away defeat in November.

Winchester were by no means outplayed by their opponents but did not create enough scoring chances.

Norwich played the first half with the wind behind them and linked well to create an opening for full-back Simon Sinclair to exploit. After he had broken through the first up tackle Sinclair rode the challenges and scored in the right corner.

Although Winchester did not concede any further points in the half, they spent the period clearing their lines and defending ferociously. Steve Williams, Rolf Stratford and Richard Knight tackled clinically and newcomer Mike Harfoot at blindside flanker made an impressive debut.

Winchester made in-roads with a score against the run of play as second row Steve Showell showed great strength in the maul to dispossess Norwich 20 yards from their line. From a resulting penalty scrum half Nick De Stefano fed Adie Mort, who then switched play for Stratford to surge over. Jeremy Cook added the conversion.

It was a real positive that Winchester entered their opponents' 22 only twice during the half and yet took away seven points and a half-time lead of 7?5.

In the second half Norwich came storming out of the blocks and played superbly. After constant pressure, Winchester's defence eventually crumbled as the ball came out of the scrum untidily. Norwich captain Rupert Holmes gathered the ball well and powered over from close range. Matt Holmes converted, leaving the score at 7?12.

Winchester responded immediately when fly-half Dave Brown kicked diagonally in behind the Norwich defence, placing the visitors under severe pressure deep in their half, but no points came about.

Unfortunately, after 50 minutes, Stratford had to leave the field with a leg injury and was replaced by James Fogerty.

With the final quarter of the match approaching Mort earned himself a red card following a needless fracas. Holmes added insult to injury by slotting the three points from the resulting penalty, making the scoreline 7?15.

The incident provoked the hosts into greater commitment as they enjoyed their best period of play. The rucks were hit with feeling and momentum and Norwich had to work hard to stifle Winchester's renewed vigour. Eventually Cook landed a penalty and made the score 10?15.

Whenever Norwich attacked Winchester held firm with Bernard Hooper in particular putting in some outstanding tackles.

Winchester's truly-held belief that they could win the game was only extinguished when Holmes landed his second penalty in injury time to put the game out of reach.

Assistant coach, Mike Marchant said: "We played the last 20 minutes with 14 players and showed tremendous courage to still be in with a shout of winning the match. We are desperately trying to stay in this league and build so we can be a significant force next year."

Winchester: Banks, West, Cook, Hooper, Ryan, Brown, De Stefano, Williams, Hocking, Mort, Meaton, Showell, Harfoot, Knight, Stratford (Fogerty, 50 mins., repl Moreton, 65 mins.).