BEMERTON Heath Harlequins got their first win of the season against a strong and resilient Fareham.

From the very start Bemerton were on the front foot with wide man Jake Rawkins causing the visiting full back all sorts of issues but as has been the theme in recent weeks, none of the chances created were taken.

As the half progressed Fareham started to come in to the game and frustrated Bemerton. On the stroke of half time Fareham were awarded a penalty when a Fareham player was blocked which was despatched with authority.

Harlequins made two changes at half time introducing youngster Matt Gunston-Gray for his debut and the experienced Sam Matthews. These changes seemed to give Bemerton a new lease of energy and the home team completely dominated the second half.

The back three of Joe Rawkins, Hassell and Plank looked assured and comfortable and on the attack Bemerton looked dangerous.

On the hour mark more great work from Jake Rawkins when he put a ball across the goal line when it seemed harder to miss, the chance went begging again.

However on 75 minutes a well worked corner was powered home by the impressive Hassell to level the scores. From here it seemed it would only be a matter of time until the winner came and indeed it did five minutes from time. A ball over the top in to the path of Matthews was finished clinically in to the roof of the net to make it 2-1 and game over.

Manager Rae Hughes spoke to JournalSport following the result and said: “I’m delighted for the lads, we have had a tough week but I can’t praise the players enough who have stayed patient and believed in what we are trying to do.

“It’s important we do not get carried away though in the same way we didn’t panic after the poor start. If we keep working hard and show the same spirit as today, more positive results will come.”