A SPIRITED Fordingbridge turned in one of their best performances of the season against top-of-the-table New Milton, but eventually lost 32-26.

With both teams vying for the Snows Hampshire One crown, the derby was action-packed and surpassed expectations.

An early penalty from Mat Norton gave Fordingbridge the lead which was stretched further by a try from Alex Davenport to push the score to 8-0.

New Milton hit back after six minutes through Dalton Thomas with a penalty.

Dan Brown then crossed the whitewash, backed up by a Norton conversion, to lead 15-3.

On the half hour mark, Sam Bew scored for New Milton and, with the extras added, the gap narrowed.

With a second try before the half from the visitors, scored by Tom Gould, the match was tied and the game was for the taking. Norton converted a penalty on the stroke of half time to give Fordingbridge a slender lead at the break with the score at 18-15.

The home side opened the scoring in the second half through Peter Scott but four minutes later it was cancelled out by Dale Smith of New Milton.

Fordingbridge pushed the lead to six through the boot of Norton and the score remained unchanged until the last eight minutes of the match. Under pressure on their line, Ben Russell scored for New Milton and with the two points added they took the lead by one point for the first time in the match.

With time ticking away, Fordingbridge were awarded a penalty in front of the post but in a moment of excitement went for a quick take instead of the safe option. New Milton turned the ball over and Tom Gould broke down the wing to run in unopposed for his second try of the afternoon.

Captain Steve Brown said: “Of course we are disappointed to lose, especially as they had the opportunity to win it with the last kick of the match, but we should take heart after such a superb performance. Both teams showed unbelievable commitment and determination and with eight more games to come this season there is still all to play for."