Gosport & Fareham coach counts cost after '˜heartbreaking' loss

The loss left Barry Bridgman’s team anxiously looking over their shoulder – just eight points clear of the relegation zone.

‘It was heartbreaking to lose in the dying moments,’ said the head coach.

‘We were our own worst enemies in the first half – trying to take on the big Andover pack in an arm-wrestle. That was never going to work.

‘At the start of the second half, when we released quick ball to our backs, we cut them to pieces scoring two tries.

‘Then for some reason we fell asleep and stopped doing it. Now with five games left we will need to pick up 10 to 12 points to stay up.’

Fareham Heathens lost 34-10 in a bruising Hampshire one battle against promotion-chasing Bognor at Cams Alders.

The game was played at a frenetic pace throughout.

Bognor opened up an early lead – slotting two penalties in the opening 15 minutes.

Heathens hit back on 25 minutes when Cam Guthrie kick a penalty.

The hosts took the lead with a well-worked try from Steve Devoy, set up by his captain Rob Impey.

But Bognor came out in the second half with added vigour and regained the lead with a well-worked converted try.

Despite working hard, Heathens conceded three further converted tries.

Director of rugby Bernie Rhodes said: ‘This was just the bruising battle we expected but because of several injuries during the game, Bognor had a bit more in the tank.’

In Hampshire two, Locks Heath Pumas stormed to a 55-22 win at Fawley.

Tries from forwards Sam Floyd, Steve White, Tom O’Grady, Jonathon Elsmore and a Kent Streek double saw the Pumas dominate.

Chairman George Winch said: ‘It was a great team performance.

‘All the forwards showed great strength and power and Lee Giles, playing his first match at at fly-half, did well.’