A LACKLUSTRE performance cost Fordingbridge RFC a maiden defeat of the term to Fareham Heathens at a sodden Recreation Ground.

But, despite the 35-17 loss, 'Bridge remain as the Snows Hampshire One leaders but level on points, 26, with Bognor, who won away at Farnborough.

The two miserable days of torrential downpours had no affect on the visitors as they made a razor-sharp start.

Within two minutes Fareham were ahead by three points following a penalty kick.

Mat Norton restored parity one minute later but, from that point on, Fareham took control of the game with two further penalties and two tries, one of which they converted.

Behind at 21-3, Fordingbridge were struggling to maintain possession but found some momentum when Norton went over for a try, which he duly converted.

The second half task ahead meant 'Bridge needed to claw back 11 points.

And the comeback was on when, in the 42nd minute, Norton crossed the whitewash again and, with the extras, the home side were within four points and looked to be right back in the game.

But Fareham had other ideas and converted two further tries to wrap up the win.

Fordingbridge coach John Stockley said: “Some days things don’t go right for you."

"We need to learn lessons from this defeat, draw a line under it and be more prepared next week when we travel to Chineham.”

Fordingbridge seconds also lost, thumped by Bridport 88-0.