A TOUGH win against rock-bottom Locksheath Pumas ensured Fordingbridge RFC are up-and-running in the new year.

In driving rain and high winds, Locksheath Pumas visited the Recreation Ground for the opening game of 2016 and despite the fact that Fordingbridge ran out 28-16 winners, it was a much tougher encounter than the scoreline suggests in Snows Hampshire One.

Peter Scott opened the scoring for the home side with a fine individual try from the ten metre line following slick handling from the three quarters. Fordingbridge’s man of the match, Mat Norton, converted from the corner to push the lead to seven.

However, the lead was to be short lived. Following a penalty and converted try in quick succession, the Pumas took the lead until two minutes from half time.

Following a series of penalties on the Puma’s five metre line, Fordingbridge opted for a scrum and pushed over for Ross Bealey at eight to score. The conversion was missed but the home side entered the break with a narrow two-point lead.

The see-saw game continued in the second half with Norton extending the lead with two penalties and the home side looked to be in control at 18 -10. But Locksheath had other ideas and responded with two penalties of their own to keep the game extremely close.

With another penalty from Fordingbridge, giving them a 21-16 lead, the game approached full time when another scrum was pushed close to the line for Bealey to get his second of the afternoon.

So with the win under their belt, Fordingbridge are away the next two weekends both on the Isle of Wight.

Coach John Stockley said: “It was our dogged defence that won the game for us in appalling conditions against a side who performed well above their league status.”