RELEGATED Gosport and Fareham almost ended their season with a win but for the bounce of the ball and a single point.

In the dying seconds against Lewes Wayne Dugan nearly scored when he raced through to dive on a kick.

But he was beaten to the ball as it bounced away from him and his side slipped to a 20-19 loss against the team who beat them to London Two South safety.

It was a disappointing way to finish a poor season as club stalwart Fred Dugan ended his playing career after 13 seasons at Gosport Park.

But coach John Stamper was remaining positive after injuries and unavailabilities meant he had to field a makeshift backline.

He said: "We did extremely well in the circumstances to dominate, but gave away two soft tries.

"It was a good game for people to watch. We should have won it, we know that.

"It's those little losses by a point or two, at Sidcup, at Beckenham where we drew and here we lost by one point, that has cost us this season. If we had taken those five points, as we should have done, and added them to what we have at the moment, then we would be safe."

Both sides scored three tries with Jon Wood, Brett Gamblin and Harry Harrison getting on the scoreboard for the hosts.

But Gosport just came up short and will have to battle their way out of London Three South West next season.

Portsmouth held off the challenge of Guildford to win the title and promotion to London One for the first time in their history.

A 48-11 win over Maidstone ensured the London Three South West title, while Guildford will go into a promotion play-off.