THERE was a first win of the season on home turf for Fordingbridge after defeating Farnborough RFC 45-7 in Snows Hampshire One.

In a hard-fought contest, Farnborough played their usual brand of strong no-nonsense rugby but were not quite a match for the New Forest side.

'Bridge had achieved the bonus point try by half time with some superb free-flowing moves.

The first, however, came from James Gwynne following a push over from the five metres. Further tries from Mat Norton, Ed Douglas and Dan Brown and three conversions from Norton saw the home side enter the break 26-0 up.

Farnborough came out fighting in the second half as the pace of the game stepped up, especially the defence from both sides.

It was 20 minutes into the second half before the deadlock was broken by a superb try from star man Alex Davenport, showing a great turn of speed down the wing. The next try came from a break by Norton and an offload to the ever-present captain Steve Brown to cross the line.

With Pat Badger scoring the home side's final try, and two more conversions added, the game looked to be over with the visitors not scoring.

However, the final score of the match went to Farnborough with a well-worked try in the corner and a fine conversion to leave the visitors with some well-deserved points.

Fordingbridge coach John Stockley said: “A great win against good opposition, with fine defence from both sides."

Fordingbridge are away to Trojans on Saturday in the Hampshire Bowl but return to league action the following week away to New Milton.