FORDINGBRIDGE RFC grind out a win in appalling conditions over Tottonians II 29-12.

On an afternoon of driving rain and bitterly cold winds Fordingbridge travelled to Totts RFC for the first of the return fixtures of the season.

Totts, who are currently second from bottom in the Hampshire Premier League, provided a tough encounter that belies their low league standing.

The game was, as expected, dominated by handling errors as neither team could keep hold of the slippery ball so Fordingbridge captain, Harry Hitchings, wisely took the opportunity to build up a lead through the boot of Mat Norton.

He kicked three difficult penalties to give the visitors a nine point lead after half an hour.

A flurry of pressure from both sides saw two tries just before the break.

Totts used their well drilled forwards for a push over try in the corner on the thirty eighth minute which went unconverted.

Ryan Hill replied immediately with the last play of the half to match their try and take the score to 14-5 at the break.

After a very short interval the game resumed and five minutes in Totts scored a converted try to bring them within two of the visitors and at this point the game was impossible to call.

Norton pushed the lead a little with another penalty but in the last quarter Fordingbridge finally started to dominate and tries from Ross Bealey and Steve Brown sealed the result at 29-12.

A very welcome hot cup of tea thoughtfully provided by the home side followed the quickest pitch departure ever.

No match for Fordingbridge next week and rugby resumes on January 5 at Millbrook.