Mitchell magic

HSA sponsored Andover 1st XV grabbed a vital win to extend their lead at the top of the London Division Three (SW) with last-gasp penalty from player-coach Keith Mitchell.

At half time an Andover victory looked unlikley after a series of errors left the town side trailing 24-6 but the introduction back-row power house Alec McNair on his return from injury turned the game on its head Andover suddenly found the passion and desire they sadly lacked in the first half with a brilliant second-half fight back.

They gradually chipped away at the home side's lead with Mitchell in outstanding form at scrum-half with a series of telling kicks, including touch line conversion and a further penalty.

A try from McNair put Andover within striking distance and they finally snatched victory with Mitchell's late, late decider.

Andover II 21pts Basingstoke II 20pts. HSA sponsored Andover 2nd XV also came from behind to snatch a memorable victory with a last-minute try from one of their Fijian contingent. Trailing 20-14 with a minute left, Don Batham took a Basingstoke scrum against the head to set up the chance and the ball zipped behind the Andover goal-line where it was snapped up by the winger who then sprinted 80 metres before feeding his wing colleague to score a dramatic winner.

Andover III 34pts. Romsey II 19pts

ABC Cars sponsored Andover 3rd XV completed a happy Christmas for the town club with an excellent home win in the league over their near neighbours Romsey with two tries from Chris Cutler leading the game in a game in which old stagers Bob Lister and Andy Waite were particularly outstanding.