FORDINGBRIDGE returned from a three-week break from Snows Hampshire One to secure a slender 24-19 win over struggling Petersfield in their last home game of the campaign.

Despite the visitors being one place from the foot of the table, they opened the game with ferocity and determination.

But it was the hosts who opened the scoring with a well worked move, culminating in Mat Maynard touching down. Mat Norton converted.

They protected their seven-point advantage until two minutes from half time when Petersfield turned over to turn at the break 7-5 down.

Two tries after the break saw Fordingbridge stretch the lead by a further ten when Alex Davenport went over in the corner, and he was followed by Alex Tattershall.

With their heavier pack, Petersfield dominated in the scrum and closed the gap midway through the half with a converted try.

Mark Hammond crossed the try line in the last quarter of the game for Fordingbridge and, with the conversion from Norton, the lead was up to 12-0 and the game seemed to be closed out.

But Petersfield refused to lie down and pulled a try back late on, which they converted.

Captain Steve Brown said: “After a series of disappointing results, it’s good to win a tough fixture in front of a large home crowd."

They close the season away at Farnborough on Saturday.

It was a good win for the seconds, who were also at home where they beat North Dorset 34-26.