LOYAL Dave Timms marked his retirement in Fordingbridge RFC colours with a sterling performance in their season closer on the Isle of Wight.

The long-serving loose-head prop, 48, was merited for his outstanding contribution with a man of the match accolade in ’Bridge’s 27-12 win.

It was a fourth straight success for the Recreation Ground outfit which secured a respectable fourth place finish in Snows Hampshire One, despite missing out on the play-offs.

Dan Brown got his side off to a flier when he crossed the line in the corner and consistent kicker Mat Norton overcame the strong breeze to convert for a seven-point advantage.

It was Norton who scored the next try after winning a foot race for the line from just outside the 22 perimeter, but he was unable to convert his try. The hosts were not to be outdone and, following a strong sum, they managed to touch down under the posts.

With the conversion missed and a Norton penalty, the half closed out with the visitors 15-5 ahead.

Fordingbridge opened the scoring in the second half when Tom Sheppard, who came on at half time, scored in the corner. Shortly after, Mark Hammond added to the ’Bridge total and with the conversion the game looked to be well and truly won with the score at 27-5.

However, the Isle of Wight came back marching and restored some pride by catching the last two scores of the game, one of which was converted as it petered out 27-17.

James Greenwood, who has skippered ’Bridge for the past two years, said: “It’s a great way to finish the season achieving what we set out to do, finish in the top-half of the table, welcome lots of new young colts to the team and, above all, have fun.”

Fordingbridge seconds have their final match on Saturday away to South Wilts (3pm).

THE club are hosting their annual presentation evening at the start of next month.

This year’s dinner is at the home of Premiership-chasing AFC Bournemouth’s Goldsands Stadium on Saturday, May 2.

The event, costing £35 (students £30), is now sold out but people who wish to be placed on the waiting list should contact chairman Ian Brown.

He can be reached by emailing ian@fordingbridgerfc.com