Gosport and Fareham 22 Andover 32

Andover are on target for their highest-ever league finish after another solid away win away to a strong Gosport and Fareham side last Saturday.

The home side began the game just a couple of points behind Andover, but the 'All Blacks' seventh win in eight, meant Andover will now finish at least fifth, and can even still make fourth after promotion to the new level seven, counties one last season.

In front of a good home crowd Andover began with a comedy kick off, but then took control.

Good interplay from Bryn Waite and CJ Feirn put them on the front foot and from a lineout skipper Alex Hibdige smashed his way over for a try well converted by Rich Retallick. 

Ten minutes later Andover repeated the dose from another lineout, this time man of the match Tom Erskine going over with Retallick again on target.

Gosport predictably reacted and with the Andover defence being too passive, they scored a neat try to come back into it.

From a penalty, Ryan McGeady's lineout claim set up a series of phases and marshalled by the composed half back pair of Sean Higgins and Charlie Waite, Feirn again was the man, forcing his way over for Andover's third try.

Gosport came back again with a try after Billy Pollard saw yellow, and then drew level with another good try.

Bryn Waite returned on the wing and his extra pace along with the dangerous Harrison Pape suddenly gave Gosport another problem.

Stan Pearson and Louis Davies added fresh legs and willing hearts up front too and Andover finally put Gosport away.

Retallick added a penalty to put Andover back in front as Gosport started to wilt, but with only a minute to go Andover would be forgiven for keeping the ball and taking the win.

Hibdige was having none of it, and as he and Reed lead the charge, Erskine was on hand to give Andover the bonus point try, converted by Retallick, with the last kick of the game.