Hampshire have a tough test tomorrow as they battle to get into the final of the County Championship Plate.

They are just one match away from the final, which until recently was scheduled to be staged at Twickenham, but must beat mighty Eastern Counties at Diss first (3pm).

Hampshire's progress continued when the side returned from Buckinghamshire with a 57-12 victory.

Eastern Counties were even more impressive as they reached the semi-final by caning Berkshire 95-0.

Hampshire failed to win a game last season but have reeled off three successive wins this term - the Bucks victory followed success over Dorset & Wilts (26-23) and Sussex (45-31).

Manager David Byett said: "The performances have got better each time - from a last-minute try to beat Dorset & Wilts, to trailing against Sussex and then to last week when we really controlled it from the start.

"We're gelling together well. We are looking forward to the trip and hope we can progress."

Hampshire's consistency has helped players from clubs further down the local league ladder thrive on the County Championship stage.

They include versatile Winchester forward Tom Boland and Tottonians pair Richard Buck and Luke Richardson, who both scored against Bucks.

England Universities fly-half Chris Ashwin is a consistent kicker who converted seven tries and added a penalty for a 17-point haul.

The final, against Sussex or Durham, has been moved to Horsham after Twickenham was double booked'.