Andover 16 Trojans 14

Andover defeated a relegation-battling side in another tough bruising encounter for a second week in a row.

Trojans came to the Goodship ground in determined mood, but a much-changed Andover did well in the end to once again eke out a victory they just about deserved.

Billy Pollard and Callum Burge made seasonal debuts in the backs and promising youngster Roman Barton Knott replaced Robbie Duncan who was carrying a knock.

Playing up the slope, Andover soon knew they were in for a tough time as the visitors struck an early penalty.

Andover pressed to reply, but a loose pass saw a fast break from Trojans and only a try saving tackle from man of the match Bryn Waite stopped another score.

It was a temporary reprieve however as 10 minutes later Trojans did extend their lead.

Andover gradually came back as the forwards turned the screw up front. A tap penalty from Fin Waite caught Trojans napping and as he was held just short of the line, the impressive Sean Higgins fed giant lock Tom Erskine to crash over for a try converted by Retallick. 

Behind 7-8 at the break, Andover felt it was in their favour and soon took the lead from another Retallick penalty.

Andover then almost committed suicide. Having turned over Trojans ball in defence, back chat to the referee handed them a penalty and they retook the lead with aplomb.

Andover sensed that Trojans were tiring though and soon retook the lead with another Retallick penalty, but then erred again to once again hand it back to the visitors.

But Stern words from skipper Alex Hibdige saw sanity restored and Andover had their best spell.

It was left to Retallick once more, and with five minutes to go, he calmly slotted another penalty to restore the narrow lead which this time Andover held to the end.

Afterwards, director of Rugby, Andy Waite said: 'We've been brilliant since Christmas but the volume of games across the club is starting to take its toll with injuries. I think we need to not get frustrated, and realise that sometimes, when you can't play free flowing rugby, you have to make sure you keep the scoreboard ticking and grind it out. These are the times we need to stick together."