HAMPSHIRE ended a three-year losing streak beating Berkshire 43-29 at Havant RFC on Saturday.

It was 20-year-olds David Byett (Nottingham) and Tommy Booth (Sandown & Shanklin) who recorded two tries apiece while prop Mark Rushworth made his county debut from the bench aged 40.

"It was absolutely brilliant," said manager Steve Appleby.

"We saw a huge improvement last week and are delighted with our first win in a couple of years. Every player stood up to be counted, and some of the tries were outstanding.

"We now go into our match against Dorset & Wilts next Saturday with huge amount of confidence."

In an exciting game played in persistent rain the lead changed hands four times.

Ex-Basingstoke youngster Byett added five conversions and a penalty in an outstanding display while Winchester's Chris Ashwin and Gosport centre Jon Wood, pictured, also got on the scoresheet with a try each.

Locks Ali Ramus (Havant) and Alex Hayes (Winchester) dominated the line-out and showed up well in the open with determined running and sound handling.

Hampshire must now hope Berkshire beat Oxfordshire next weekend and they beat Dorset and Wilts convincingly in Bournemouth to progress to the semi-finals.