IT WILL be an uncomfortable Christmas at Gosport & Fareham after they returned a seventh consecutive defeat that leaves them in a perilous position at the wrong end of London Division Two South.

But their neighbours Portsmouth, who inflicted their first win on enemy territory in seven attempts and their first 'double' over Gosport in a decade, will enjoy their festivities sat high on the top branch of the league tree.

It was an improved performance on those of late from Sean Fanning's men, as he knew it would be - they were playing Portsmouth after all - and were tidily in the game at the break, trailing by just three at 17-14.

However, Portsmouth's clinical finishing was the crucial factor as they totalled six tries to Gosport's two despite, the 39-24 result, as Dane Smallbone kicked four penalties which kept the hosts interested throughout.

The result sinks G&F to second bottom and while it mirrors their position from last year, the injuries are more severe and they did not have a full programme of home games to look forward. It is a troubled time for the blue and golds.

Coach Fanning admitted his charges were beaten by the better side. "They were clinical with their finishing but we had no front row again and we are still struggling with our lineout," he said.

"However, the lads showed heart and commitment and we can take pleasure from that."

Portsmouth's director of rugby Nigel Morgan felt his side kept Gosport in the game. "Their points came from our mistakes," he said. "And had it not been for Chris Thompson, their number eight, it would have been a cricket score.

"Our tackling was poor and our discipline was off as well so that is something we need to address."

Havant kept a firm hold of sixth place in National 3 South with an impressive 36-12 victory over Westcombe Park.

Australian winger Cam Avery helped himself to a hat-trick while Anton Petzer sized up with a brace as the Hooks Lane side turned in a fine return for the healthy home crowd, despite going behind early in the first half.

But with a bonus point bagged, the Hampshire club sit with a small gap beneath them to their nearest rivals and director of rugby Adam King, despite this, was duly cautious.

"I felt we were well worth our win but having said that, we gifted them two tries to make the margin smaller than our superiority deserved," he remarked "We do still need to strengthen our squad and I am continuing to do that."