VENTNOR pulled off a major shock in Hampshire 1, beating fancied United Services 8-6 to maintain their unbeaten record.

But Ventnor did not replace Services at the top of the table because Petersfield walloped Guernsey 51-0 and Trojans also overtook Ventnor by thrashing Isle of Wight 53-0.

Ventnor's victory was a triumph of tactics for their coach David Ball, who saw his team make the whirlwind start he had asked for, defend superbly when required, then finish the stronger as Services ran out of ideas.

A Dave Martin penalty and Bob Englegardt's try rewarded Ventnor's fiery start and Services could only manage a penalty before half-time.

Despite then having wind advantage, Services had just a further penalty midway through the second half to show for it.

Trojans took full advantage of a depleted Isle of Wight side, although the Islanders deserve credit for keeping going to the end despite the mounting score.

Those scores came from Oluseyi Segun (2), Nigel LeBas, Simon Williamson, Mark Gillespie, Tim Cochrane, Russell Clarke, penalty (tries), James Pennington (five conversions, penalty).

Farnborough remain in touch with the leaders following a 34-12 win at Romsey. The hosts started well, monopolised the early play, and gained reward when Alan Odurney was first to Paul Double's optimistic kick ahead.

Farnborough then took control, led 20-5 at half-time and were 34-5 in front before Chris Gayton scored his first try for Romsey, converted by Guy Patterson.

Millbrook gained a 52-10 home win over New Milton that was especially pleasing, as they had to make a number of late changes.

One of those saw Virgil Seal make his debut at lock, where he acquitted himself very well. Millbrook's scorers were Alan Day, Dominic Sales, Daniel Moore, Gordon Randell, Ratu Degei, Adrian Spafford, Mike Mulcahy, Sonny Bedwell (tries), Spafford (six conversions). Dan Oliver (try), Tim Greenwood (conversion), Matt Wale (penalty) replied for New Milton.

Hampshire 2 leaders Sandown & Shanklin went down 15-13 at Hamble in controversial circumstances.

Everything hinged on the last kick of the match - a Sandown penalty attempt from halfway and wide out. Their touch-judge signalled it good, Hamble's disagreed and so did the referee, so Hamble maintained their unbeaten record. Seamus Noonan (five penalties) kicked all Hamble's points.

Nomads took advantage of Sandown's slip to take over at the top. They won 12-6 at Southampton Institute, despite squandering 17 points with missed kicks. Mike Springall, Erawin Olie (tries), Mike Elsen (conversion) got Nomads' points.

Eastleigh gained their first success of the campaign with a 19-17 home victory against Overton. In a dour forward battle, Eastleigh made better use of the ball behind the scrum thanks to Gary Evans and Christian Longhurst. Martin Roberts (two tries), Longhurst (three penalties) scored for Eastleigh.

In Hampshire 3, Ellingham gained one of their best wins in years, 48-5 at Waterlooville. Fleet beat Hampshire Constabulary 25-6, Kingsclere accounted for Alresford 34-19 and Fordingbridge hammered Brockenhurst 93-7.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.