Andover 6 Gosport/Fareham 16.

Frustration continues for Oakwood sponsored Andover, as the chance to gain ground on relegation rivals once again slipped away at Foxcotte Park last Saturday.

Old adversaries Gosport and Fareham, themselves in deep trouble, were the visitors and not for the first time this season, despite being under the cosh for a lot of the game, the visitors escaped with the spoils. Andover are playing with great heart and passion, particularly in defence, and no one can be faulted for their effort, but basic errors and a non functioning lineout are giving them a mountain to climb.

The game began disastrously for Andover losing number eight Rob Good after just two minutes with a knee injury, which seriously disrupted both the back row organisation and the lineout. Playing up the slope Andover quickly got into their stride and looked the better team by some distance. The forwards dominated the breakdown and with ball in hand the Andover three-quarters looked menacing.

They cruised into a 6-0 lead after 20 minutes, with two well struck penalties from Will Kane and seemed comfortable attacking almost at will. A third penalty went wide and when the visitors were successful with a kick of their own nerves began to show.

Full round up from Andover RFC with pictures in Friday's Advertiser