Havant frustrated in bid to reclaim top spot … Valkyries find it tough on the road at Guildford Gazelles

They would be top on points difference had they claimed a bonus point victory against third-placed Streatham & Croydon at Hooks Lane

Instead, they had to settle for a bittersweet 24-12 success.

After just nine minutes some quick hands off the back of a scrum saw Steph Wyant running down the wing to score Havant’s first try.

Streatham hit back straight away to lead with a converted try.

But Daisy Atkinson pushed her way across the line for Havant just four minutes later, with Kirstie Hopkins converting beautifully for a 12-7 lead.

The second half saw Havant come under some pressure from a revitalised Streatham, put at the other end winger Rachael Carragher grabbed a try on her debut with Amy Brittan adding the extras.

Havant continued to dominate the set-piece, demolishing the scrum and disrupting Streatham‘s line-out.

Streatham kept Havant out again until the 63rd minute when Wyant got her second try.

Havant were hunting a fifth try which would give them the coveted bonus point, but it was Streatham who bagged the final score.

Havant have two matches remaining - at Heathfield next Sunday and at Guernsey on March 14

Portsmouth Valkyries knew they were in for a tough match in the Women’s Championship SW2 at lofty Guildford Gazelle.

Things were made harder for the visitors with the loss of openside flanker Abi Harding after just 20 minutes due to injury.

Despite taking an early lead through full back Nikki Buckingham, the Valkyries were soon behind to two converted tries.

Number eight Sophy Roseaman crashed over the line to score and Carrie Whymark added the extras to put Valkyries just 14-12 down.

However, the hosts scored straight from the restart and led 26-12 at the interval.

Valkyries continued to battle in the second half, conceding two unconverted tries, before scrum half Charlie Morgan scored a consolation.

A late converted score for the Gazelles made the final score 43-17 which didn't do the Valkyries justice considering their effort and performance.

Defence coach Alec Dyer said: ‘We more than matched them up front, and the defence at the breakdown was solid for most of the game.

'UnfortunatelyGuildford had an outstanding back line, who shifted the ball to the wings really well.

‘This stretched our defence and most of their scores were out wide.’

Dyer added: ‘The coaching staff are really proud of everyone, they all put a big shift in and absolutely never gave up.’

Valkyries’ next game is against strugglers Ellingham and Ringwood this coming Sunday at Rugby Camp.