THE GODS were shining on Paxton Pumas as they won promotion from Hampshire 3 for the first time in their history after Verwood defeated local rivals East Dorset 13-5 to set off wild celebrations in Titchfield.

Pumas had done their bit by running in three tries against Stoneham, winning 26-9 with Julian Beard, Kev Hemmens and Matt Wake all going over.

But the news from the county border was not long in coming to let them know they were headed for Hampshire 2 - but not before a long and memorable evening.

"We should have won by more," said chairman Richard Jones, "but Stoneham's defence was good and it was hard fought.

"But it didn't matter - we just needed to know what happened at Verwood.

"When we heard the news, we could not contain ourselves. It's what we've been working towards all season. To be honest, we were convinced we were staying put before the game started, thinking we'd miss out."

It is going to be just as an exciting closure to the Hampshire 2 season next week - at both ends.

Fawley's crunching 53-10 over Lytchett Minster, coupled with Ventnor's 72-14 capitulation at Fordingbridge means the Water-siders must now beat Ellingham & Ringwood to save themselves.

But Ellingham's 48-0 hammering at the hands of champions Aldershot & Fleet has reopened the door for Eastleigh, who meet Ventnor on the last day, so the match between the Forest pair takes on extra significance.

Four tries from skipper Lee Haisman opened the floodgates for Fawley as they helped themselves to nine in all against the Dorset men but now the attentions turn to next week and the captain knows what is in store.

"This was a great performance but t he guys know what is needed next week - we'll be going to Ellingham to win and stay up."

Eastleigh were convincing enough in breaking down the tenacious Chineham challenge to set up the grandstand finish, but they were guilty of not swallowing up the good scoring positions they gave themselves.

Phil Campling celebrated the birth of his first son with a fine game at number eight and opened the scoring with a pushover, which was improved in the second half by Russell Smith towards the end after Jim Longhurst had hit a penalty.

It was good enough for the win, although they were disappointed not to have gained more from the two-man advantage they had when a Chineham player was dismissed and another sent to the sin-bin.

Now all the focus turns to next week's final round. Who goes up? Who goes down?