AN extremely late try from hooker Joe Newsome stole the glory for patched-up Trojans in their wind-down-to- Christmas fixture against neighbours Eastleigh at Stoneham Lane, taking the clash 13-5.

Newsome took advantage of an Eastleigh fumble to race half the length of the pitch along the touchline and shrugged off two despairing tackles to score in the corner to kill off the visitors hopes of springing a festive surprise.

They had held the higher league hosts throughout to just two Tim Zeale penalties in response to a well-worked effort from veteran Joe Butler, who drove over from close range.

But over-exuberance and some strong Eastleigh defending kept the home side out until a spillage as the visitors came forward gifted the Trojans hooker the chance, which he took gleefully. "It was a useful run-out," said coach Pete Surtees.

Southampton Veterans defeated their clubmates from the first team 12-5 in the battle of the Test Park bragging rights, in a match which was played in the exact spirit of an inter-club clash.

Wonder winger Alex Scott swayed around the defence to take the game for the county champions and Dave Griffiths' conversion ensured they enjoyed their three-course after-match meal so much more than their counterparts.

"It was a really good battle," said first team captain Marcus Coffin.

"There was plenty of bragging in the clubhouse afterwards and we ate our soup and turkey with a large piece of humble pie for pudding."

Hampshire Division 3 leaders Paxton Pumas fell to a disappointing defeat at rivals Fareham Heathens II 12-8 despite Tom O'Grady's try and a veteran Jez Laker penalty.

Once again, the improving Pumas gave debuts to four new players but the re-arranging of the team became their downfall as a poor second half performance gave the strong Fareham side victory.

Nomads' Powergen Junior Vase fifth round match with London Cornish was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch and is now shceudled for January 8.